HalloweenatthePierceHouse

Tabletop

2006-07-30T21:58:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin Tiramisu

2006-07-21T22:24:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin Tiramisu

(Double recipe to use in large trifle bowl.)

1 pkg. authentic Italian ladyfingers (they're hard, not soft)
8 oz. Mascarpone cheese
1/2 c. pumpkin puree
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 to 1 tsp. freshly ground nutmeg (to taste)
1 1/2 c. powdered sugar (or to taste)
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract or orange extract
2 1/2 c. heavy cream, whipped and chilled
1/8 c. either Frangelico liqueur, rum or orange juice
Crystallized ginger

Arrange ladyfingers on the bottom of a 9" square pan. Pour liqueur over ladyfingers. Mix Mascarpone with the pumpkin, spices, sugar and extract. Fold in 1 1/2 c. of the whipped cream. Pour mixture over lady fingers. ( If using large trifle bowl, you can layer the ladyfingers and cream mixture: just make sure you sprinkle lady fingers with liquid--juice or liqueur--before covering with cream mixture). Gently spread remaining whipped cream on top of mixture. Sprinkle decoratively with additional cinnamon and crystallized ginger. Cover and chill at least two hours, or overnight.

Serves eight generously.

Formal Place setting

2006-07-14T03:44:00.000-07:00

Setting a Formal Place setting...

from rockysgoldandsilver.com/faqs/

How do I properly set a formal dinner setting?

Plate:

•	Place your dinner plate on the table in front of the chair.

Above the Plate:

•	The cake fork will be closest to the plate with the tines facing right.
•	The dessert spoon will be above the cake fork with the bowl facing left.

Right Side of Plate:

•	To the right of the plate place your entree knife with the blade facing in toward the plate.
•	To the right of the knife place your teaspoon.
•	To the right of the teaspoon, place your soupspoon. (Either a round bowl, cream soup or the more versatile oval/place soup.)

Left Side of Plate:

•	To the left of your plate, place the entree fork and then the salad fork.
•	If you are using a bread plate you may place it either to the left of the forks or slightly above them.
•	Place your bread and butter knife on the bread plate with the blade facing toward the dinner plate.
•	Glasses go above the knives with the water glasses closest to the plate.
•	Wine glasses will go to the right of your water glass.
•	Napkin may be placed across the plate, or to the left of the forks.

Not like these invitations

2006-07-07T03:15:00.000-07:00

Another what not to do

2006-07-07T03:13:00.000-07:00

http://www.foxisland.net/ncc_weddings.htm

Fund raiser

2006-07-06T23:17:00.000-07:00

http://www.guidestar.org/news/features/online_auctions.jsp

On-line Auctions Raise Funds for Charity

Pumpkins

2006-07-06T15:11:00.000-07:00

http://www.mass.gov/agr/massgrown/pumpkin_pyo.htm

Massachusetts Pick-Your-Own Pumpkins NOTE: information on this list is subject to change without notice to the Department. It's always a good idea to call the farm ahead of time to check on crop availability and picking conditions. Try printing this page in landscape orientation for better fit.
Farm Name Address Phone	Directions	Hours of Operation	Comments
Barnstable County
Andrews Farm 394 Old Meetinghouse Road E. Falmouth (508) 548-4717	From Boston, Rt. 128S, right onto Route 151 to Sandwich Road, left onto Carriage Shop Rd. Bear right at fork, farm on right.	Open 7 days, 10-4pm.	Hayrides, groups.
Coonamessett Farm 277 Hatchville Rd E. Falmouth (508) 563-2560 www.Coonamessettfarm.com	Rt. 28 south towards Falmouth; exit onto Rt. 151 east, turn south on Sandwich Rd. Proceed to Hatchville Rd and turn right, farm is 1 mile on right.	9-5pm, May through September. PYO Salad mix available year round. (Hydroponic Greenhouse)	Membership required in PYO club, $15 annual family membership fee. Café featuring Coonamessett Farm grown produce. Canoe rentals for pond at Coonamessett Farm.
Berkshire County
Hilltop Orchard / Furnace Brook Winery Route 295 - Canaan Road Richmond (800) 833-6274 www.Hilltoporchards.com	Mass Pike to Exit 1, to Route 41 North to Route 295 West, farm 3/4 mile on the right.	Open Wed to Sunday, 9am to 5pm Labor Day until Columbus Day for PYO. Stand open 9-5pm.	Containers provided, children welcome, picnicing and free hayrides on weekends. View cider mill and offer hard cider. Year round stand and bakery. New: Furnace Brook winery tours & tastings.
Howden Farm 303 Rannopo Rd Sheffield (413) 229-8481 www.Howdenfarm.com	3 miles south of center of Sheffield. At fork of Rt. 7 & 7A(1.7 miles) take 7A, then first right onto Rannapo Rd. We are first place on the left.		Pumpkins last weekend and holidays in Sept. thru all of Oct. 10-5pm.
Ioka Valley Farm 3475 Route 43 Hancock (413) 738-5915	8 miles west from the intersections of Route 7 & 43. 4 miles east from the intersection of NY Route 22 & 43.	Open weekends only. Mid September thru October for Pumpkins. 10am-5:30pm. Everyday during Strawberry season. 8-noon, 4:30-7:30pm weekdays, weekends, 8-4:30pm.	Free hayrides provided to PYO pumpkin patch or Christmas tree plantation. Pure maple syrup year round. Visit farmstand and petting area.
Lowland Farm 129 New Marlboro Rd Monterey (413) 528-0728	Monterey, Rt. 23, 1 mile on New Marlboro Rd.	Open 7 days when in season.	-
Mountain View Farm Old Cheshire Rd Lanesboro (413) 445-7642	From Allendale shopping center to Crane Ave., pass Jody Seasonal, right onto Oak Hill, which becomes Partridge Rd. Turn left at end of Partridge Rd and then turn right on Old Cheshire Rd. Farm is next right.	Monday - Friday from 8am to 8pm for strawberries. Sat. and Sun., 8-5pm.In season, 12-5pm for tomatoes.	May bring your own containers.
Taft Farms Route 183 & Division Street Great Barrington (413) 528-1515 http:\\www.bcn.net\~taftfarm	Take Route 7 South from Stockbridge and follow signs to Rt. 183. 3/4 mile from Rt. 7 on Rt. 183.	Call ahead for conditions and hours.	Containers available or bring your own. Strawberries grown without pesticides.
Bristol County
Araujo Farms & Greenhouses 1460 Williams St. Dighton (508) 669-6988	Call for directions and hours.		Offer horse drawn hayrides & picnic area.
Cedar Hills Farm Rt. 118 Rehoboth (508) 252-6577	Route 44 to Route 118 South, farm is 1/10 mile on the left.	Call for hours.	Horse drawn hayrides.
Four Town Farm 90 George Street Seekonk (508) 336-5587	From 195, take exit 1 and follow Rt. 6 east to Cumberland Farms, turn right onto Warren Ave. for 1/2 mile then bear right at fork onto George St.	9-5pm depending on availability.	Children must be supervised.
Oakdale Farm 59 Wheaton Ave Rehoboth (508) 336-7681	Route 44 to Lincoln Street, left onto Country, take 2nd right to Barney Ave. to 59 Wheaton Ave. Or Rt. 6 to Barney Ave- Left to Almeida Rd. to the end. Right onto Wheaton Rd.	Call for picking times and conditions. Open May-October.
Essex County
Cider Hill Farm 45 Fern Ave. Amesbury (978) 388-5525 www.Ciderhill.com	Interstate 95 to Exit 1 in New Hampshire. Go West 2 miles Route 107 to Route 150. South 2 miles on Route 150, turn left onto Fern Ave. to barn and farm store. Or, Rt. 495 to exit 54. Turn right at bottom onto Rt.150. Go North through Amesbury. Turn right	June: 8-6pm, July - Oct: 9-6pm, 7 days/week.	Containers provided, children welcome if supervised. Offer children's play area, farm animals, a picnic area, and hayrides in the fall.
Clark Farm 163 Hobart Street Danvers (978) 774-0550	Take Centre Street Exit off Route 1 North. Turn left. 1/2 mile at blinking lights, Turn left onto Hobart Street. Farm 1/4 mile on left.	Stand open daily from 9am to 6pm. Open for PYO: 9am to 5pm.	Containers provided for a fee, children welcome.
Connors Farm 30 Valley Road (Rt. 35) Danvers (978) 777-1245 www.Connorsfarm.com	From downtown Danvers, Route 35 North to farm. Or from Route 1 North, take North Street exit, then turn left at only intersection. Also Rt. 128 to exit 23N. This is Rt. 35, we are 5 miles from this Jct.	Open 7 days a week from 9am to 6pm.	Containers are provided, children welcome. Picnic area and barnyard animals.Tour buses welcome!
Green Meadow Farms 650 Asbury Street South Hamilton (978) 468-2277 www.Gmfarm.com	Exit 20A off Route 128 to 1A North, go through North Beverly into Wenham, 1.5 miles past Wenham Lake take left after large white Church on left onto Arbor Street, go 2 miles to Asbury Street on left. Farm is 1.5 miles on left.	Daily 9-6pm.
Homestead Farm & Orchard 13 Birchmeadow Road Merrimac (978) 346-8346	Rt.495 to exit 53. Left onto Rt.110, Birchmeadow Rd will be 1 mile on the right.	Strawberries 8am-6pm. In season, apples & pumpkins on weekends only. Free hayrides to apple orchard.	Containers supplied.
Ingaldsby Farm 14 Washington Street Boxford (978) 352-2813	1 mile off Route 133 in West Boxford.	Stand open 8am to 6:30 pm daily. In season, apple picking on weekends after Labor Day 10am to 6pm.	Containers provided, or bring your own. Children welcome with adults. Bakery included.
Long Hill Orchards 520 Main Street, Rt. 113 West Newbury (978) 363-2170	Exit 57 off Route 95. Left off exit, farm is 4 miles on right.	Seven days a week from 9-6pm. Including holidays.	Greenhouse, ice cream, and petting farm. Containers available if needed. Beautiful views of the Merrimack River. Bring a picnic, enjoy the beauty. Horse drawn hay rides.
Marini Farm 259 Linebrook Road Ipswich (978) 356-0430	U.S. Route 1 to Linebrook Road, East toward Ipswich 1 mile, or Route 1A past center of Ipswich to Linebrook Road.	Open 9am to 6pm daily. In season, open for PYO tomatoes 9am to 6pm.
Smolak Farms 315 South Bradford Street N. Andover (978) 682-6332 www.Smolakfarms.com	Route 95 to Route 97 Georgetown Exit. Left at Boxford Village sign to first right, Ipswich Road. Go 6 miles and look for signs.	Stand open daily, 7am to 6pm. For all PYO, daily 9-5pm.	Farm animals, hayrides in season, festivals, senior and educational programs, and host birthday parties, kids craft summer camp, farmstore bakery, functions.
Hampden County
Appleberry Farm Barry Street Agawam (860) 668-7252	2 miles South on Route 187 from Feeding Hills Center, take right onto Barry St. Farm is on Barry Street @ Risings Corner.	Starts mid-August, through mid-October on weekends.
Fini's Plant Farm 217 James Street Feeding Hills (413) 786-1012	Feeding Hills section of Agawam off North St.	Sat. and Sun. from 9-5 in Oct. Weekdays by appt. only. Offer hay rides and childrens' events.	Group rates for weekday field trips.
Kosinski Farm 336 Russellville Rd Westfield (413) 572-4344	Rt. 10 & 202 north from Westfield center. 5 miles left onto North Rd.	Sept. and Oct., open 7 days, 7am to noon, except closed on Friday.
Provin Mt Farm 443 North West Street Feeding Hills (413) 786-0495	Exit 3 off I-91 in Springfield, take Rt. 57 west. 1 mile beyond Feeding Hills Center, turn right at light onto N. West St.	Call for hours.
Pumpkin Valley Farm 384 College Highway Southwick (413) 569-6915	From Springfield take Rt. 57 west. At intersection of Rts. 10, 202 and 57, take 10 & 202 south. Farm is 1.5 miles on left.	Open 9am to dusk daily, free hayrides on weekends and holidays.
Robert's Hillside Orchard 275 South Lane Granville (413) 357-6690	Call for directions and hours.
Westview Farms 111 East Hill Rd. Monson (413) 267-5355	Between Rts. 32 & 20. Exit 8 from Mass. Pike. East Hill Rd. is off Monson Rd. off Rt. 20. From Rt. 32 at Wing Med. Ctr. to Brimfield Rd. to East Hill Rd.	April 1 thru Oct 30, Winter by reservation. Buses welcome.	Dairy farm, 30 flavors of ice cream, goats, lambs, rabbits. Field trips for schools, day care & scouts, birthday parties: include horse drawn hay & sleigh rides, feeding the animals. Country fresh family fun.
Hampshire County
Fletcher Farm 22 Gunn Rd Southampton (413) 527-6888		Call for hours and conditions. Welcome school groups.
McCray's Farm 55 Alvord Street South Hadley (413) 533-3714 www.Mccraysfarm.com	1st left off Route 47 from center of South Hadley. Farm is 2 miles on right.	Open daily, call for times and picking conditions.	Hayrides to the pumpkin patch. Homemade ice cream, cornstalks, hay bales.
Middlesex County
Applefield Farm Route 117 Stow (978) 897-2699	3 miles west of Stow Center, farm is on Route 117.	Open Monday through Sunday, 10am to 6pm. Open for PYO vegetables 9am to 5pm.	Containers are provided, PYO vegetables include: beans, eggplants, peas, hot peppers, summer squash, kale & tomatoes.
Brox Farm 1276 Broadway Rd. Dracut (978) 454-3434	Rt. 93 to exit 46 to Rt. 113 west, 2.5 miles on right.	Call for picking conditions and hours.	Many other fruits & vegetables picked daily for farmstand.
Butter Brook Farm 982 Main St. Acton (978) 263-1936 www.Butterbrookfarm.com	From Boston Rt. 2 West to Rt. 27 North (Main St.) # 982. From 485 to Rt. 2 East to Rt. 27 North (Main St.) #982.	Call ahead for hours and conditions. Saturdays 10am-4pm.	Organic products. Also offer herbs and local honey.
Carver Hill Orchards Brookside Avenue - Box 101 Stow (978) 897-6117	Rts. 117 & 62 to Stow Center, left at lights, 1/2 mile to Brookside on left. Watch for signs.	Open daily, 10am to 5pm. Open August until Christmas.	Groups by appt., picnic tables provided. Wagon rides on weekends and can be scheduled for weekday groups.
Codman Community Farms 58 Codman Rd Lincoln (781) 259-0456	1/4 mile off Rt. 126 on Codman Rd.	8am-8pm daily, June thru Oct.	Eggs, pork, beef and lamb for sale. Minor breeds of cows, sheep, chickens and pigs. Open for farm tours year round.
D.J. Hussey Farm 20 Burgess Road Townsend (978) 597-6891	Rt. 119 to Townsend center- north on Rt. 113 for 1/2 mile then left on Dudley Rd for 1.5 miles and look for signs.	Call for hours and picking conditions.
Dowse Orchard 98 North Main Street Sherborn (508) 653-2639 www.Dowseorchards.com	From North/West: Mass Pike to exit 13, take Rt. 30 East to Rt. 27 South, follow through Natick center 2.5 miles into Sherborn on left. From East: Rt. 9 West into Natick and take Rt. 27 South into Sherborn.	Call for hours and conditions. Apples September and October. Weekends only.	"America's best crunchin Apples since 1778.
Drew Farms 31 Tadmuck Road Westford (978) 392-3449 www.Drewfarms.com	Route 495 to Exit 32, take right off exit to farm.	Open daily 10am to 4pm.	Children welcome, containers available. Trailer rides on weekends.
Hanson's Farm 20 Nixon Road Framingham (508) 877-3058	From 495 take route 20 East to Wayside Inn, at Wayside Inn Country Store turn right onto Hager Street, farm 2 miles on right. Or from Route 9 to Edgell Road, 1 mile to lights, left onto Edmunds Road, 2 miles to Nixon Road.	Open Monday through Saturday, 9am to 6pm. Sundays, 9am to 5:30 pm.
Hillbrook Orchards 141 Old Ayer Road Groton (978) 448-3248 www.Hillbrookorchards.com	Route 2 West to Rt. 495 N, exit 31, west on Rt. 119 for 6-7 miles. After Mobil Station turn left onto Old Ayer Road, 1/2 mile to orchard.	Call for hours and conditions.	Also have pony rides, and farm animal petting zoo on weekends from 10am to 5pm.
Kimball Fruit Farm 184 Hollis Street Pepperell (978) 433-9751	Exit 5 West off Route 3, North to Route 111 into Pepperell, take right at yellow blinking light, farm is 3 miles on left.	Daily 9am to 6pm.	Containers provided.
Lawndale Farm 91 Frost Rd Tyngsboro (978) 649-7629	From center of Tyngsboro (at bridge), take Rt. 3A north towards Hudson, N.H.. We are 1 mile from bridge, 1st farm on road.	Daily from 10am-7pm
Marino Lookout Farm 89 Pleasant Street South Natick (508) 651-1539 www.Lookoutfarm.com	1 mile from Route 16, South Natick Square.	Call ahead for hours. In season, every day, 10-5pm.	Children are welcome with parental supervision. Farm animals on display.
McLoon Farms Corner of Route 113 & Thorndike Dunstable (978) 649-3656	From Route 3 take Exit 35. Rte. 113 West towards Pepperell, 1/4 mile on right, look for large old barn.	Open weekdays from 10am until dusk.	Fresh organic produce and crafts also. Breads and pies.
Parlee Farms Farwell Road Tyngsboro (978) 649-3854 www.Parleefarm.com	Route 3 to Exit 34, Westford Rd, Tyngsboro. Go .75 miles East to Route 3A, take left at light, then 2nd right onto Farwell Rd. Farm is 1 mile down on right.	For blueberries, raspberries, apples, flower, and pumpkins, call ahead for hours and conditions. Strawberry picking daily from 7am-6pm.	Mary's Country Kitchen offers fresh fruit desserts and ice cream. Annie's Animal Barn offers animals to feed and pet.
Patenaude Farm 158 River Street Dunstable (978) 649-7116	Rt. 113 to East Street in Pepperell Mass. Then follow the PYO Pumpkin signs.	Everyday from Sept. 10th to Oct. 30th. 10am - 6pm.
Pickard Farm 160 Great Rd Littleton (978) 486-4141	Exit 31 off 495, 1.25 miles east on 2A.	-	-
Shelburne Farm 106 West Acton Road Stow (978) 897-9287	Route 2 West to Rt. 111. Left at second light. Next block, bear right onto Willow St. Farm is 2.5 miles on right.	Starts late August, Daily 9-6pm.	Farm store open until Christmas.
Spence Farm 30 Wyman Street Woburn (781) 933-4847	Route 128 to Exit 35, take Route 38 South to 2nd set of lights, right onto Wyman Street, farm is .5 miles on right.	Open for picking daily 9am to 4pm.	Call ahead for picking conditions, supervised children welcome.
Spence Hill Farm 39 Coolidge Street Sherborn (508) 653-8939	Call for directions.	Call for hours and conditions.
Sunshine Farm 135 Kendall Ave Framingham (508) 655-5022	Off Speen Street, Natick, 3 miles South. Exit 13 off Mass Pike, 2.5 miles South of Route 9, Natick. Take Speen Street to end, right onto Kendall Ave.	Raspberries on weekends in September, 10am to 4pm. Call ahead for information in June for strawberries. Call ahead for pumpkins.	Containers provided, children under 10 must be accompanied by adults. Shortcake and ice cream available at our Dairy Bar. Fall raspberries only.
Verrill Farm 11 Wheeler Road Concord (978) 369-4494 www.Verrillfarm.com	Located between Rt. 117 and Rt. 2 on Sudbury Rd, or take Rt. 2W to intersection after 126, left onto Sudbury Rd.	Call for hours and conditions.	Containers available or bring your own. Mass. Specialty foods, bakery, and kitchen which offers soups, entrees, pies. Restrooms, handicapped accessible, tented area for picnics.
Norfolk County
Fairmount Fruit Farm 887 Lincoln St. Franklin (508) 533-8737	Rt. 109 to Village St. (Medway) Take Sandford St. over Charles River which becomes Lincoln St. Or, Rt.140 to Main St Franklin, which turns into Lincoln St. 3-4 miles on right.	Apples start 2nd weekend in Sept. Hours: 10-4:30pm
Jane & Paul's Farm 33 Fruit St. Norfolk (508) 528-0812	Route 115 to Cleveland St., turn left onto Fruit St.	Open June to Nov., call ahead for hours and availability.
Lakeview Farms Rt. 126, 1048 S. Main St. Bellingham (508) 883-3800	Rt. 495 to Rt. 140 North to Rt. 126 (Franklin/Bellingham).		Hayrides, farm animals including Obi the llama.
Tangerini's Spring Street Farm 139 Spring Street Millis (508) 376-5024	Spring St. is off Rt. 109. Follow 3/4 mile, driveway on right.	9-4pm end of Sept. to end of Oct. Sat. and Sun. for pumpkins. Strawberries, early June.	Childrens birthday parties, and field trips available April til mid-Nov.
Ward's Berry Farm 614 South Main Street Sharon (781) 784-3600	Take Exit 8 off Route 95 South and go .5 miles East towards Sharon. Or from Cobb Corner, go about 5 miles West, straight through Sharon center.	Fields open every day except Wed., 9am-6pm.	Free hayrides to the strawberry patch.
Plymouth County
C.N Smith Farm 325 South Street E. Bridgewater (508) 378-2270	Off Route 106 East, turn right before Old Colony YMCA onto South Street. From Rt. 24 take Rt. 106 East. From Rt. 3 take Rt. 106 West toward E.Bridgewater, turn onto South St. At YMCA, go to end. You are there!	Open daily from 9am to 4pm. Call for conditions and information.	Pumpkin picking on weekends.
Worcester County
Arrowhead Acres 92 Aldrich Street (Route 98) Uxbridge (508) 278-5017 www.Arrowheadacres.com	Rt. 146 south from Worcester area to Chockalog Rd exit in Uxbridge. Follow Rt. 146A south 1/2 mile to Rt. 98 on right. Farm on Rt. 98 1/4 mile on left.	Open for pumpkins weekends, Noon to 5pm. Open for Christmas Trees.	Also offers hayrides, petting farm, picnic area, function facilities.
B & B Farms Box 105 or Route 67 New Braintree (978) 365-4027	On Route 67, at corner of Old Turnpike Road. Second location: 20 Greenland Rd., Sterling, MA. Off Rt. 12.	Open all day and on weekends for strawberries, blueberries, and pumpkins. We have pesticide free produce in season.	Families and groups welcome.
Bolton Spring Farm 149 Main Street - Route 117 Bolton (978) 779-2898	2 miles East of Exit 27 off Route 495 on Route 117 near the Stow/Bolton line.	Open daily 9am to 6pm, starts Labor Day for apples, 3 weeks later for pumpkins.	Containers provided, children welcome, groups by appointment on weekdays. Picnic tables provided, country farmstand with homemade hot dumplings, pies, and donuts.
Breezy Gardens 1872 West Main Street Leicester (508) 892-9201	Mass Pike to Route 20 East, to Route 49 North, to Route 9 East. Farm is 5 miles on left. Farm is located on Rt. 9, at the Leicester/Spencer line.	Open daily, 10am to 6pm.	Farmstand open daily, farm animals. Hay rides September and October.
Carlson Orchards 115 Oak Hill Road, Box 359 Harvard (978) 456-3916 www.Carlsonorchards.com	Route 2 West to the Ayer/Groton Exit 38B onto Rt. 110N, 1/4 mile take ist right-Poor Farm Rd, follow signs, 2.5 miles. From Rt. 495 take exit 28 to Rt. 111 towards Harvard. 1/4 mile, follow signs.	Apple PYO hours are 10am-5pm, 7 days a week. Peach and Nectarines: Call, Mid-July on, 10-5pm.	We supply containers. Cider mill.
Charlton Orchards 44 Old Worcester Road (RT. 20) Charlton (508) 248-7820 www.Charltonorchard.com	Rt. 20 West 6 miles from Rt. 395 and Rt. 290, look for signs. Rt. 20 East, 4 miles from Mass. Pike, Sturbridge exit and Route 84. Follow signs.	PYO berries starts June.	Offer picnic tables, wagon rides during apple season. Peach Festival in August. Harvest Festival in October and Christmas at Charlton Orchards first week in December. Strawberry Festival in June, Blueberry Festival in July.
Clearview Farm 4 Kendall Hill Road Sterling (978) 422-6442	Take Route 12, Route 62, or Route 190 to Sterling Center, go 1/2 mile up Maple Street, take right onto Kendall Hill Rd, farm 1st on left.	Open 10am to 6pm weekends w/hayrides. 11-5pm weekdays.	Groups by appointment.
Douglas Orchard 36 Locust Street E. Douglas (508) 476-2198	Follow signs from the corner of Main Street and Depot Street, 3 miles to farm.	Open daily 10am to 5pm.	Children are welcome with adult supervision, containers provided.
Fay Mountain Farm 12 Cemetery Road Charlton 508-248-6916 faymountainfarm.com	visit website or call for more info.
George Hill Orchards 582 George Hill Road S. Lancaster (978) 365-4331 YourFavoriteFarm.com	Rt. 2 to the Lunenburg/Lancaster exit 35, take Rt. 70 South 3.5 miles, right onto Rt. 117 west, 3/10 mile turn left onto Langen Road, 1.7 miles turn right onto George Hill Road.	Open Monday through Sunday, 9am to 6:00 pm, closed Saturdays.	School groups by appointment on weekdays. Apple Tree Theater, wagon rides, refreshments, pony rides, animals and cider press viewing on Sundays and holidays only.
Great Oak Farm 227 Highland St. Berlin (978) 838-2097	Exit 26 off Rt. 495, head west on Rt. 62 for 1.5 miles to center. Take right onto Carter St. to Highland St.. Farm is 1.7 miles from Rt. 62.	Mid June to Oct. Open Tuesday-Saturday: 8am-noon and 3-7pm. Sundays, 10am-6pm.
Harvey's Farm & Country Store 120 South Street (Route 135) Westboro (508) 366-1545 www.Harveysfarm.com	One half mile East on Route 135 towards Hopkinton from the rotary in downtown Westboro.	10-5pm daily.	Visit our barnyard critters.
Hyland Orchard & Brewery 199 Arnold Road Sturbridge (508) 347-7500 www.Hylandbrew.com	Off Rt. 20, just west of Old Sturbridge Village, take Arnold Rd. and follow 2 miles.	Sept. 2 - Oct. 29, Sat & Sun, 9am-Dusk.	Offer tours of micro-brewery, farm bakery and ice cream. Animal attraction. Free admission.
Keown Orchards 9 McClellan Road Sutton (508) 865-6706 www.Keownorchards.com	From Providence: Rt. 146 N to Central Turnpike exit. Follow signs towards Northbridge, take 2nd left at Dodge Hill Rd to 1st right onto McClellan Road. Or: Mass Pike to exit 10A (Rt.146) South to Central Turnpike exit, follow signs.	Call for hours of operation and picking conditions.	Also visit our farmstand open daily.
Nampara Farm 3 Bemis Rd. Hubbardston (978) 928-4489 www.Nampara.com	Rt. 2A west into Westminster; take left onto South St., follow for 6 miles and follow signs. Or, Rt. 68 west towards Gardner, at Hubbardston center take a right onto Brigham St. and follow for 2.5 miles and then follow signs to farmstand.	7 days a week 6am-6pm. Grand opening April 24th.	Bakery on site with homemade bread & pastries. Also offer jams, soap, and candles.
Nourse Farm 70 Nourse St. Westboro (508) 366-2644 www.Noursefarm.com	2.5 miles west on Rt. 30 from Westboro center. Follow the strawberry to the field. Map on website.	June 10 to Sept. 30, please call for hours.	Offer 8 of the sweetest varieties of strawberries and 3 varities of raspberries.
Red Apple Farm 455 Highland Ave. Phillipston 800-628-4851 www.Redapplefarm.com	Route 2 (exit 19), follow signs (2 miles) to farm.	Open daily, 9am to 6pm. Nov. and Dec. from 9am-5pm.	Containers provided, children welcome, farm animals, forest trails and hayrides, school tours, 48 apple varieties with one tree with 108 varieties grafted on it! Host Birthday parties, and company outings.
Rota Spring Farm Chase Hill Road Sterling 978-365-4735	Look for signs off Rt. 62 or Rt. 110. Call for details.	April, May - 7days, Noon-9pm. June, July, Aug. - 7 days, Noon-10pm. Sept. - 7days, Noon-9pm. Oct. - 7days, Noon-8pm.	Farm Stand offering homemade ice cream, sweet corn, tomatoes, cukes, eggplant, summer squashes, peppers, raspberries, winter squash, pumpkins. Petting zoo with goats. Customers can enjoy watching cattle while picnicing and eating ice cream!
Schartner Farm 211 West Berlin Road Bolton (978) 779-5588	Route 495 to Exit 27. Take Route 117 West 1 mile, turn left at blinking light. Go 1 mile up hill, take 3rd left onto West Berlin Road, farm 1 mile.	Sat. & Sun, 10-5pm. Sept. til October	Over 100 acres, enjoy a picnic.
Sholan Farms 1125 Pleasant St Leominster 978-840-FARM	Rte 2 to Rte 12 S (N. Main St.). Stay on Rte 12 to center of town (past Post Office on right through lights). Pleasant St. is straight ahead. Continue on Pleasant (past the #6 Red Schoolhouse); approx. 1/2 mile to the top of the hill		Offer entertainment, hayrides and group tours. We are located on 169 acres overlooking Northern Worcester County.
Stillman Farm 1399 Lancaster Ave. Lunenburg (978) 537-3342	From Rt. 2: take the Lunenburg/Lancaster exit, turn left onto Leominster/Shirley Rd, bear right onto Lancaster Ave. toward Lunenburg.	Open daily 9am to 7pm.
Stowe Farm Orchards 15 Stowe Road Millbury (508) 865-4818	Take Milbury Exit off Route 146 and follow signs, approx. 2 miles.	Starts mid-September to end of October, weekends 10am to 5pm.	Containers available.
Tougas Family Farm Ball Street Northboro (508) 393-6406 www.Tougasfarm.com	Rt. 290 to Exit 24, (Church St.) turn towards Boylston. First right onto Ball St. Farm is 1.5 miles from Rt. I-290.	Call for hours. Vary with season.	Farm includes a bakery featuring fresh made fruit desserts, ice cream, and refreshments. Children's play area and barnyard animals. Offer school programs.
Wade Orchard 62 Westcott Road Harvard (978) 456-3926 www.Wadeorchard.com	Route 2 to Rt. 111. Follow signs just beyond Rt. 495. Take Codman Hill Rd. off Rt. 111. Follow to stop sign, turn right onto Stow Rd. Take first left onto Westcott Rd. Farm on left. Only 1.5 miles from Rt. 111 & 495.	Open 7 days a week, 9am to 4:30pm - Open Sept. 1.	Offer cider, preserves, gourds, peaches, plums, and asst'd vegetables.
Westward Orchards Farm Mass Ave. Route 111 Harvard (978) 456-8363 www.Westwardorchards.com	1/4 mile West of Route 495 on Route 111. Visit our second location located across from the Fruitlands Museums on Prospect Hill Road. Open weekends only from 10am to 4pm in season. Call for more information.	Open daily 10am to 6pm. For PYO apples open 10am to 4pm. Closed Tuesdays.	We supply containers. No pets. Also visit our retail farm store.
Woody's Fall Farmstand 76 Brown Ave. Leominster (978) 537-9424	From Rt.2, take Rt. 13 north (exit 32) for 1/4 mile, then right on Prospect St. for 1.5 miles to Brown Ave.	Labor Day thru Halloween, daily and weekends, 9-6pm.	All fall décor, our own mums, gourds, hay, straw, cornstalks, and indian corn. Feed farm animals, see giant pumpkins, and scenic hill walk.

The BIG BIG Halloween Library Collection

2006-07-06T10:08:00.000-07:00

Electronic Luminaries

2006-07-06T09:43:00.000-07:00

http://www.flicluminaries.com/index.html

	Charming, Traditional & Beautiful is the way FLIC Luminaries will appear to your friends and neighbors. FLIC Luminaries radiate a warm glow using either votive candles with our long burning candle holder, electric light bulbs, or our new LED Votive Candles. Create a magical and festive feeling in the garden or on the porch with FLIC Luminaries. Your patio or pool will glimmer with a warm flickering glow for parties, family celebrations, and every holiday.
FLIC Features Traditional shape & style Beautiful warm glow for every occasion Weatherproof, Durable, & Reusable Timesaving - easy to install and store
	FLIC supports charities that have memorial and awareness walks for their causes. Please contact us to see if FLIC Luminaries can aid in your project. Click here to read more about our Fundraiser packages. If you would like to become a dealer of FLIC Luminaries or if you are intersted in puchasing large quantites of FLIC Luminaries, see our Wholesale Purchaser Program.

Outdoor Luminaries by Carol Duvall

2006-07-06T09:39:00.000-07:00

Outdoor Luminarias

By Carol Duvall

Though we often think of putting out luminarias at holiday time, there's no rule that says that's the ONLY time. And it certainly isn't necessary to line the entire front walk or driveway. A few at the front door or lining the porch steps can look pretty and say "welcome" any time of the year. I came to this conclusion when my daughter-in-law put four lighted candles at the front door one evening in October when I was invited to dinner. What a nice way to be greeted.

For the luminarias I made today, hardware cloth and tissue paper were my materials of choice, and though the tissue paper seems to be too fragile to use for outdoors, it is well-coated with polymer medium (decoupage medium) so it is well-protected from the elements.

Materials:

1/4- or 1/8-inch grid hardware cloth
tissue paper
matte finish polymer medium, decoupage medium or Mod Podge
scissors and/or wire cutters
needle nose pliers

Note: Though a couple of the luminarias I showed had been rubber stamped and embossed and one had sticky-backed metallic charms attached, any decorating should be kept to a minimum. Patterned tissue should also be used with discretion. The tissue is placed over a gridded wire that shows through when the candles are lit, so too much decorating can easily be too much. You can test this ahead of time to see the effect.

Hardware cloth is available at the hardware store as well as at home remodeling stores. If you use the 1/8-inch grid, be sure to check to see that the wires are straight. This was not meant to be a "beauty" product.

Outdoor luminaries

Place these luminaries on the front porch at dusk to greet a dinner guest.

Figure A

Using the 1/4-inch grid hardware cloth

1. Cut a length of the 1/4-inch hardware cloth as wide as you want the luminaria to be, high enough and long enough to make four equally-sized sides. Ours meaure 12 inches long (three inches on each side of the luminaria) and stands eight inches high. Cut the wire so that it is smooth on both the top and bottom edges with no short ends of wire jutting out (figure A). Though scissors can be used, wire cutters are preferable. On the short ends, cut the cloth so that one end is smooth and the other end has all of the wire "spokes" protruding their full length of 1/4 inch (figure B).

Figure B

Figure C

Figure D

2. Mark the length of the wire at three-inch intervals and fold along these lines. Insert the protruding wires on one end and through the matching openings on the other end (figure C). Bend each wire back using needle nose pliers. Press each wire down so there are no rough edges.

Note: It is easier to get sharp folds by folding the wire back against the edge of a ruler or fold over the edge of a tabletop (figure D).

3. When the wire has been assembled into a box-like shape (figure E), cut a length of tissue about one inch wider than the height of the wire (nine inches) and long enough to go around with just a slight (1/2-inch) overlap.

Figure E

Figure F

Figure G

4. Place paper on a tabletop on a piece of waxed paper or foil and coat several inches of it with the polymer (figure F). Pick up the tissue carefully so as not to tear it and press it against the wire, positioning it so that 1/2 inch extends beyond both the bottom and top edges.

5. Continue to coat the tissue and wrap it around the wire (figure G). When it covers the entire rectangle of wire, fold the top and bottom edges of the paper to the inside of the luminaria. Smooth everything as much as possible. When dry, you may wish to go back and give a second coat of the polymer to the tissue, although this is not essential.

6. Place a votive candle inside the cover and light at dusk.

Tips:

If you have difficulty getting the tissue up off of the tabletop and onto the wire without tearing it, try placing it on the wire one side at a time and applying the polymer.
When using the 1/8-inch hardware cloth, cut the wire along all four edges as smoothly as possible so no spokes are sticking out. Cut the wire about one inch longer than you need and fold one end in 1/2 inch. Fold the other end out 1/2 inch and join the two ends by fitting one fold inside the other. If using this method, it is easier to make the joining in the middle of a side panel or to make a cylindrical cover rather than a rectangle.

http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/dc_furnishings_other/article/0,1793,HGTV_3433_1387619,00.html

Drawstring Bags and Purses

2006-07-01T14:37:00.000-07:00

Drawstring Bags and Purses

from... http://www.trystancraft.com/martha/projects/bags.html

Materials:

fancy fabric for the outside
plain fabric for the inside
scissors
sewing machine
needle and thread
seam ripper
a small safety pin
cord or ribbon
small beads or two tassels (optional)

Drawstring bags make great little purses or lovely wrappings for gifts. You can decorate them in a myriad of ways or leave them simple.

In the bag pictured, I used black velvet for the outside and black satin for the inside. I also stamped the velvet with a rose design. You can decorate the outside fabric with embroidery, patchwork, quilting, ribbon, lace, appliques, fabric paint, etc. Or just use scraps of pretty fabric leftover from another project (or from the remnant bin at the fabric store). Satin and other slick fabrics make good lining materials.

Start with a long rectangle of fancy fabric. Fold it in half and trim the three unfolded sides to form a square. If you are using this as a gift bag, use the size and shape of your gift as a guide. For example, these bags are perfect wraps for wine bottles. Lay the wine bottle on the fabric with the bottom of the bottle two inches above the fabric fold. Measuring two inches on each side of the bottle, cut along the two long sides of the bottle. Then add four or more inches above the top of the bottle, and cut that side. Cut the same shape out of the plain fabric for your lining.

Now that you've cut the fabric shape, it's time to decorate the outside fabric. Add any embellishments you choose now. If you sew on trim or ribbons in horizontal lines, make sure to extend the trim to the very edge of the fabric. This way, it will be enclosed in the final seam and give a clean finish.

With right sides together, sew the outside fabric's side seams. Then sew the side seams of the lining fabric. Iron these seams open.

Turn the lining right-side out and place it inside the fancy fabric so that the right sides of each piece are facing each other (the wrong sides will be facing you). Match the side seams, and pin the open top edges together. Sew along the top edge and leave an opening of about two inches (more for a bigger bag, less for a tiny bag). Turn the bag right-sides out through this opening. Push the lining (right-side out) inside the fancy fabric side. Iron the top edge, turning the raw edges of the opening down. Hand-stitch the opening closed.

Now you'll make a casing for the drawstring. An inch or so from the top edge of the bag, stitch a line through the two layers (lining and outer fabric), all around the bag. If you want more of a ruffled edge at the top of the bag, start this line of stitching farther from the top edge. Then stitch another line about a half inch below the first line.

At both side seams, use a seam ripper to unpick the side stitching in between the two lines of casing stitches. Cut the cord or ribbon into two long, equal pieces. Take a safety pin and attach it to one end of one piece of cord or ribbon. Insert the safety pin into the side-seam hole and thread it through the casing all the way around the bag, until it comes out next to where it started. Do the same with the other piece of cord or ribbon, but start at the opposite side. On each side, knot the cut ends of the cords to each other.

If you wish, you can sew beads or tassels at each corner of the bag. Use a needle and thread, and start from the inside of the bag so the knot is hidden. You can string any number of beads at each corner, or just tack on a pretty tassel.

Stamped Velvet

2006-07-01T14:36:00.000-07:00

Stamped Velvet

at.... http://www.trystancraft.com/martha/projects/stampvelvet.html

Stamped Velvet

Materials:

velvet
rubber stamp
iron and ironing board
large, hard-backed book or other hard surface
water (preferably in a spray bottle)
fabric shield for iron (optional)

Stamping velvet is a wonderful way to customize a project or gift. You'll need a few, rather specific tools, but once you have them, you can make all kinds of beautiful things!

The Velvet: This technique only works on cut velvet, not crushed velvet, panne velvet, stretch velvet, or velveteen. You need the deep pile of a cut velvet. Rayon or rayon-blend cut velvet is the most common variety at fabric stores and works perfectly. Expensive silk velvet is not necessary.

The Stamps: In order for the design to show up, it must be a large, chunky style design. Delicate tracery and fine details will be lost in this process. The design must have thick lines and solid areas. Look for stamps made for fabric stamping or fabric painting. Hot Potatoes makes a whole line of stamps intended for fabric paint and stamping. Their catalog will give you a good idea of what to look for in a velvet stamp.

The Iron: The best type of iron to do this project is one that doesn't have very many steam holes or that has steam holes only around the edge of the bottom plate. Steam holes will make holes in your stamped design. If your iron has lots of steam holes, you'll need to be more careful of where you place the iron in relation to the stamp design. Also, you might consider buying a Teflon iron cover, also called a fabric shield for velvet stamping. This is a simple cover that fits onto your iron with a spring.

To start stamping, turn off the steam on your iron and set it on a linen or high setting. Place a hard-backed book or other hard surface on your ironing board. Put the rubber stamp on top of it with the rubber facing up. Lay your velvet over the stamp, with the right side of the fabric (with the pile) touching the rubber.

When positioning your velvet, consider where you want the stamped design to show on the final item. If the velvet will be for clothing, make sure the design won't be caught in a seam. If you want a stamped border, place the design near the edge, but leave enough room to hem the velvet. Consider the size and shape of the final item -- sometimes it's easier to stamp before you sew, sometimes it might not be.

When the velvet is positioned on the stamp, mist the back of the velvet lightly with water. Now firmly press the iron on top of the velvet and stamp. Hold for 15 seconds. Lift the iron off, turn the velvet over, and you'll see the stamped design!

Warning: You can't wash stamped velvet! Water will ruin the design. As with any cut velvet, you should only dry clean it.

Stamped Candles

2006-07-01T14:35:00.000-07:00

STAMPED CANDLES

from... http://www.trystancraft.com/martha/projects/candles.html

Stamped Candles
Materials:

fat pillar candles
tissue paper
rubber stamps
pigment ink pads
embossing powders
embossing tool or heat gun

Embossing tools can be found with rubber-stamping supplies at craft stores. They're also sold as paint strippers. The tool costs about $20 to $30, and it's a very worthwhile investment if you do any type of stamped projects. With the tool and powder, you can get an raised texture that's very elegant on paper and makes this candle project possible. Embossing powders are only a dollar or two each, and they come in a rainbow of colors including fabulous metallics. Make sure to get some clear embossing powder because it works with every color of ink and always comes in handy.

To decorate candles with stamps, first stamp a design onto tissue paper. Rubber stamps with bold, clear lines or solid shapes work better than very finely detailed stamps. The embossing can smudge together fine details. Pigment ink is the best for embossing because it stays wet longer than ordinary ink. You can use ink the same color as the embossing powder or use different colors which may give unusual effects. Use tissue paper that is the same color as your candle or a shade lighter. This will keep the paper from showing. White paper on white candles is the easiest, but dark colors can work too.

Work with the embossing powder over a sheet of computer paper -- this will make it easier to pour excess powder back into the jar. After you've stamped the design, pour embossing powder over the wet ink, making sure to cover the whole design thoroughly. Then shake off excess powder. Use the heat gun to melt the embossing powder and create a raised design. Cut out the embossed image as closely as possible.

Place the embossed image on the candle. If the paper won't stay put, you can wet the edges of the paper a little to make it stick, or use a tiny bit of glue to hold it down. With the embossing tool held four to six inches away from the candle surface and directly above the tissue paper, gently warm the area over the stamped image. Do this carefully, until the wax slowly melts and absorbs the tissue paper, then turn off the heat. The design will then appear to blend into the candle.

After all your stamped images are on the candle, the candle surface may have some drips and bumps or the melted areas may just look too noticeable. You can smooth this out by gently running the embossing tool over the whole candle, holding the tool about six inches away from the candle. Move the tool (or the candle) around to redistribute the wax as it melts. Be careful not to reheat the areas where your stamped images are -- the wax can loosen and the tissue paper may slip around. By gently warming the candle all the way around, you can get a soft, almost hand-dipped look.

Remember, you're working with hot wax so keep your fingers away from the end of the embossing tool and tilt the candles so that any wax won't drip on you! Also, cover your work surface with paper to protect it from melted wax.

Curtains and Ichabod Crane

2006-07-01T14:26:00.000-07:00

CURTAINS

found this at... http://collectibles.about.com/od/halloween/ss/halloweenzinn02_6.htm

Department 56 Haunted Village

Sleepy Hollow and Icabod Crane

Which is Front?

2006-07-01T14:11:00.000-07:00

Ben and Jerry's Skeleton and Witch

2006-07-01T12:23:00.000-07:00

.....
http://interiordec.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=interiordec&zu=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.benjerry.com%2Ffun_stuff%2Fholidays%2Fhalloween%2Fcrafts%2Findex.cfm

Make your own Halloween decorations. Print out these craft pages, color them, cut them out and fasten them together to make your own Ben & Jerry's Halloween decorations. Stick them in your office, your classroom, your car, put them everywhere. Stuff you'll need:

Computer and printer - that sort of goes without saying
Scissors
Paper fasteners - available at office supply shops or department stores
Hole punch
Crayons, colored pencils or markers
Optional - glue stick or white glue or paste, light cardboard

Directions
Print the image. Color your decoration; it's easier to color before you cut it out. It's a good idea to glue several sheets of paper together or glue the print out to a piece of cardboard to make it stronger. Carefully cut all along the heavy outline of the images. There are extra arms and feet so you can put your Halloween figure into different positions. If you want your decoration to be poseable, use a hole punch to punch holes into the white circles at the joints. Line up the holes and push a paper fastener through. Bend the back clips of the fastener to secure it. If you don't want your decorations to be poseable or if you don't have any paper fasteners) glue the arms and legs into the desired position.

Be creative, be original. Make some other accessories. That skeleton would be stylin' with a top hat and the outfit Glynda is wearing is just crying out for a cape.

The links below will open in a new window to make printing easier.

Haunted House Template from Ben and Jerrys

2006-07-01T12:22:00.000-07:00

Haunted House

Gauzy Ghost

2006-07-01T12:21:00.000-07:00

from...
http://interiordec.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=interiordec&zu=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marthastewart.com%2Fpage.jhtml%3Bjsessionid%3DFYWTGJ24CLPNHWCKUU2SGWWYJKSS2JO0%3Ftype%3Dcontent%26id%3Dtvs3522

Gauzy Ghosts

Historically, the Celts celebrated Halloween to appease the god of the underworld, who would release the souls of the dead to congregate among the living on October 31. Over time, the familiar white sheet of the ghost has come to symbolize Halloween as universally as Santa does Christmas. A shrouded ghost knocking on your door may not be very frightening, but it still evokes an evening of candy and fun.

Just because you aren’t out in costume yourself doesn’t mean that you can’t conjure up some of the spirit of the evening. With a solution of glue and water, a few Styrofoam balls, and some gauze, you can make an attractive and ghostly Halloween decoration.

TECHNIQUE

Making Gauzy Ghosts
3- or 6-inch Styrofoam balls
Jars
Elmer’s glue
Gauze
Scissors
Darning needle
Monofilament

1. In an open, safe work space (this project can become messy), hold the Styrofoam ball steady by placing it on top of a jar whose neck is narrower than the ball.

2. Mix a solution of 3 parts Elmer’s glue to 1 part water.

3. Cut the gauze into squares that fit over the ball with enough extra gauze to hang below the ball for a true ghostly appearance.

4. Dip each gauze square into the glue mixture, squeeze out the excess, and drape it over the Styrofoam.

5. Allow the ghosts to dry for about 4 hours before removing them from the jars.

6. Use a darning needle to sew a piece of monofilament into the center of the ghost’s head, tying a knot on top. Hang the ghosts, or stand them up.

SOURCES

Gauze
Available at local craft and fabric stores

Yet More Recipes & Fun Facts

2006-07-01T12:14:00.000-07:00

from.. homestead.com/WinterSteel/Halloween.html

~*Pumpkin Bars

Yields 12 pieces.

3/4 cup flour

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

2 eggs

1 cup brown sugar

2/3 cup canned pumpkin

1/4 cup cooking oil

1/2 cup nuts

In a bowl beat eggs and sugar. Add oil and mix until combined. Then add the dry sifted ingredients together with the pumpkin and nuts. Pour in 1/4 sheet (12" x 8") greased baking pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Cool 5 minutes. Remove from pan and frost, if desired. Cut into 2" x 4" squares. Enjoy...

~*PINA GHOULADA

A frothy drink is tempting enough, but one served in a red-rimmed glass is particularly enticing to monsters who drink blood. Corn syrup with food coloring tinges the classic piña colada with a devilish sweetness.

Dip the rim of each glass into the red mixture, spinning slowly to coat (below, right). Turn glasses upright; the red liquid will drip slightly, then set. Pour drinks, and serve. Drinkers' lips may be stained pinkmuch like those of a sated vampire.

Recipe

Makes 10 to 12 eight-ounce servings

The ghoulada mixture can be made several hours in advance and chilled.

3 tablespoons corn syrup

1/4 teaspoon red food coloring, plus more for rims

20 ounces pineapple juice

1 fifteen-ounce can cream of coconut

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 cup orange juice

10 ounces good-quality rum (optional)

1. To coat rims, pour corn syrup into a shallow bowl. Dip a toothpick into food coloring, and stir a very small amount into corn syrup to combine. Hold a glass by the stem, dip rim into the syrup mixture, and turn glass, coating entire rim. Turn the glass upright, allowing mixture to drip down sides. Dip the remaining glasses. Set aside.

2. In a bowl, whisk together remaining ingredients, including 1/4 teaspoon red food coloring. Place 2 1/2 cups ice cubes in a blender, and add 1 cup drink mixture. Blend until smooth; add more pineapple juice if mixture is too thick. Repeat with remaining drink mixture and ice. Carefully pour into prepared glasses; serve.

Source: Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc.

~*THE DEVIL'S SALSA & TORTILLA SPIKES

Get your Halloween party off to a spicy start with The Devil's Salsa and Tortilla Spikes.

*THE DEVIL'S SALSA

Makes about 5 cups

The spiciness of this salsa will vary, depending on the heat of your peppers. Add a little at a time, until it's as spicy as you like.

2 ears corn, kernels shaved from the cob

3 tablespoons olive oil, plus 1 teaspoon for baking sheet

1 orange bell pepper

1 fifteen-and-a-half-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 mango, peeled, pitted, and cut into 1/4-inch dice

1 hot red pepper, seeded and finely diced, or more to taste

1/2 red onion, finely diced

Juice of 2 limes (about 5 tablespoons)

1 teaspoon salt

1. Heat oven to 450°. Place corn on a baking sheet brushed with 1 teaspoon olive oil, and roast until the kernels begin to brown, about 10 minutes. Set kernels aside to cool.

2. Place pepper directly on a lit gas burner; roast, turning with tongs, until charred on all sides. Transfer to a bowl; cover with plastic wrap. When cool enough to handle, wipe off charred skin with a paper towel, and remove stem and seeds. Chop into 1/4-inch dice; place in a large bowl.

3. Add corn, beans, half the diced mango, hot red pepper, onion, lime juice, remaining 3 tablespoons oil, and salt; toss to combine.

4. Finely chop remaining mango until a thick purée forms; stir into salsa.

*TORTILLA SPIKES

Serves 8

1/4 cup olive oil

1 teaspoon chili powder

12 flour tortillas

1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt

1. Heat oven to 350°. Combine oil and chili powder in a small bowl. Brush tortillas with oil mixture, and sprinkle with salt.

2. Cut tortillas into 1-inch-wide strips, and arrange in a single layer on two baking sheets (you will need to do two batches). Bake until crisp and golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes.

Source: Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc.

~*Halloween can be your time to shine. With a few of these Halloween hints, you'll be the hit of the neighborhood this October. Kids will be talking about your ghastly gruesome goodies for years to come.

*Halloween Basics

Armed with a few bottles of food coloring (the gel or paste varieties work best), a good cut-out cookie recipe (try Child-Proof Sugar Cookies,) some cookie cutters, and a few basic frosting recipes (try Royal Icing, Sugar Cookie Frosting or Really Good Frosting) you too will be able to turn your kitchen into a baking cave of horrors.

*Cookie shapes

Try bats, cats, witches, ghosts, jack-o-lanterns, pumpkins, leaves, acorns, full moons, broomsticks, cauldrons, martians, spiders, eyeballs, tombstones and any other spooky shape that you can come up with!

*Cookie colors

Add gel or paste food coloring to any basic rolled sugar cookie recipe. Orange works great and pumpkin shapes are really easy to do. Add black gel food coloring to your dough for bats and black cats.

*Colored Frostings

By mixing different food colorings you can create creepy colors like putrid green, horrible orange, blood red, midnight black, and glow yellow. Top your cookies with some of these colors and watch the screams pour in.

*Now Go Wild!

Here are a few ghoulish ideas for spooky Halloween treats.

*Jack-o-Lantern Pops

Following the Cookies in a Pot recipe, cut out the dough into pumpkin shapes. Bake, then decorate with icing to resemble a jack-o-lantern.

*Black Widow Spider Cookies

Make a batch of Child Proof Sugar Cookies. Add enough black food coloring gel or paste to the dough to get a nice black color (this will take quite a bit). Roll out the dough to 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick and cut into circles, using two different cookie cutters, one smaller and one bigger. Place the cookies on a cookie sheet, attaching the smaller cookie (spider's head) to the larger cookie (spider's body). In the larger circle make a small hourglass-shaped hole and fill it with crushed red hard candy. In the smaller circle make two small holes (for eyes) and fill with yellow or green crushed hard candy. Attach strips of cookie dough to the body for legs.

*Mounds of Brains Cookies

Using Butter Cookies II or your favorite refrigerator cookie recipe, add some black food color gel or paste until you get a gray color, then push the dough through a colander to make worm-like shapes. Take small handfuls of the wormy dough and gently shape it into a brain-like shape, then bake. For an added touch, drizzle a little green colored icing over the tops of the baked brains.

*Glowing Eyes Cookies

Make a batch of Stained Glass Window Cookies Instead of shaping the cookies to look like windows, make jack-o-lanterns or ghosts with unearthly glowing eyes.

*Cobweb Pizza Cookie

Follow the recipe for Cookie pizza omitting the topping ingredients. When cookie is done, drizzle melted chocolate over the top in the shape of a spider web. Sprinkle with insect shaped candies. You can also do this on smaller cookies.

*Grabbing Fingers

Use a good cookie press recipe like Classic Butter Cookies. Place the dough in a pastry bag or large plastic bag with one corner snipped off. Pipe the dough into finger-sized amounts onto a parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Then use the dull side of a butter knife to make lines suggesting knuckles, and add an almond or candy for the fingernail. Before baking the finger cookies shape them into a slightly bent shape so that they look like grabbing fingers! Chill cookies before baking. Once baked you can add a bit of red icing if you want a bloody finger. A tasty bowl of these makes for a grisly Halloween treat.

HALLOWEEN HISTORY

Halloween was once known as All Hallow's Eve. It was a night of harmless merriment before November 1st, All Saint's Day, a religious observance honoring all saints.

Jack-o-lanterns were originally associated with men. As early as 1663, "jack" was a common word for "man," and gourds, illuminated by candles, were carried by night watchmen as they made their rounds. Black cats, along with lighter colored cats, were once respected as valuable vermin exterminators. Rats and mice carried diseases and spoiled vast amounts of grain, a vital commodity in earlier centuries.

The status of cats, however, changed during the 16th century, and this change was greatly influenced by the attitude of Chief Justice Coke of England toward women. Land was another vital commodity, and much of it was occupied by widows. The simplest method of obtaining land was by eliminating these women. This era marked the uprising of the infamous witch hunts, also used to attack and eliminate nonconformists. It was a period of religious wars. Unwilling to relinquish religious and social dominance, English authorities attacked these old women in an attempt to regain control over their subjects.

Halloween 'Quick Facts'

1. Halloween traditions go back more than 2,000 years. The ancient Celts - who lived in what is now Ireland, the United Kingdom and France - believed that spirits returned to the earth on October 31st.

2. To disguise themselves from those spirits, the Celts wore masks after dark on October 31st.

3. By the seventh century A.D., this Celtic tradition had been combined with All Saint's Day, a day to remember the saints. It was also called All Hallows' Day, and the day before was called All Hallows' Eve. That became known as Halloween.

4. About 93% of U.S. children go trick-or-treating.

5. The tradition of trick-or-treating probably started in England around 1000 A.D.. People went door-to-door on All Souls' Day, November 2nd. They would receive 'soul cakes' from families in exchange for a promise to pray for those families' dead relatives.

6. Many think the Irish popularized trick-or-treating in the United States in the 1840's. In some places, 'treats' were sweet buns, nuts or pennies. A popular 'trick' was tipping over outhouses.

7. Why do people bob for apples? It may date back to when the Romans conquered the Celts around 43 A.D.. The Romans celebrated a holiday in late October that honored Pomona, the goddess of fruit and trees. Her symbol was an apple.

More Recipes for Halloween

2006-07-01T12:08:00.000-07:00

from...
http://www.signonsandiego.com/citysearch/feature/485/recipes.html

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

These Infected Monster Toes are about as gross as Halloween recipes get. Copley News Service photo

Cut pumpkin open and scoop out seeds and fibrous, stringy tissue. Rinse and remove seeds from strings. (Some say not to rinse the seeds because it removes all the natural flavor.)

Spread seeds in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Try to make an even layer; the less time they lie on each other, the better they will bake.

Add salt to taste and bake at 250 degrees until dry, stirring occasionally. Let bake for 15 to 30 minutes or until the seeds start to turn a light gold color.

Popcorn Balls
Serves 12

2 cups popcorn, unpopped
Salt, to taste
2-2/3 cups molasses
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda

Pop the popcorn and salt lightly. Set aside. In a large, heavy saucepan, cook molasses and sugar until you can spin a thread, or until mixture reaches about 90 degrees on a candy thermometer. Stir constantly. Add soda. The mixture will foam up. Pour mixture over the popcorn, and mix it quickly with a buttered spoon.

When you are sure it is cool enough to touch, butter your hands and shape into balls while still very warm.

(From "Pigtails and Frog Legs, A Family Cookbook," Neiman Marcus.)

Candied Apples
Serves 10 to 15

10 to 15 medium apples
3 cups sugar
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
2/3 cup water
1 teaspoon lemon juice
15 cloves
1 to 2 teaspoons red food coloring
Chopped nuts, optional

Push wooden craft sticks into the stem end of clean apples. Set aside.

Combine sugar, cream of tartar, water, lemon juice and cloves in heavy saucepan. Stir over heat until sugar dissolves. Add coloring. Boil, without stirring, to hard crack stage, 300 to 310 degrees on a candy thermometer. Remove from heat and skim out cloves. Twist apples in syrup quickly. Place, upside down, on buttered cookie sheet or foil.

Dust half of each apple opposite skewered end with chopped nuts, if desired.

(From "Complete Holiday Cookbook" by Favorite Recipes Press.)

Spicy Witch's Brew

1 12-ounce can frozen orange juice concentrate
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 quarts apple cider
4 cups water
1 cup white grape juice
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 package cherry soft drink mix (for ice)
Large bowl
Ice trays (approximately three)

Mix the orange juice, lemon juice, apple cider, water, white grape juice and ground cinnamon together in a large bowl until well blended. Chill for at least an hour in the refrigerator before serving.

Make a pitcher of cherry soft drink and pour into ice trays. When frozen, add to the witch's brew to look like bloody ice.

(From "The Big Book of Halloween," by Laura Dover Doran.)

Ice Cream and Sweets

Pumpkin Ice Cream
Makes 1 quart

1 cup milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup Milk Caramel (recipe follows, plus more for serving if desired)
6 large egg yolks
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 cup cooked Pumpkin Puree (recipe follows)

Combine milk, cream and Milk Caramel in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to simmer, stirring frequently as caramel melts.

Fill a large bowl with ice and water; set aside. Whisk egg yolks and sugar in a bowl until thick and pale, about 4 minutes. While whisking, very slowly add a little hot milk mixture to egg mixture. Add more milk mixture, whisking, until combined. Add vanilla, lemon juice and puree; combine. Strain into a clean bowl; chill in ice bath.

Freeze in an ice-cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions. After churning, transfer to freezer until firm. Serve with Milk Caramel, if desired.

(From Martha Stewart Living.)

Milk Caramel (for use with Pumpkin Ice Cream recipe)
Makes about 1 cup

14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1 small cinnamon stick

Combine milk and cinnamon stick in top of a double boiler over simmering water. Cook, stirring every 10 to 15 minutes, until milk has reduced by almost half and is thick and amber in color, 1-1/2 to 2 hours.

Remove from heat; discard cinnamon stick. Beat with a wooden spoon. Transfer to a clean bowl, cover and refrigerate up to several weeks, until ready to use.

Note: Cook caramel very slowly or it will scorch.

(From Martha Stewart Living.)

Pumpkin Puree (for use with Pumpkin Ice Cream recipe)
Makes 3 cups

1 3-1/2 pound pumpkin, cut in half

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Place pumpkin cut side down on a baking pan, roast until tender, 50-60 minutes. Remove from oven; let cool. Using a large spoon, scrape out and discard seeds. Remove flesh; transfer to the bowl of a food processor. Process until completely pureed without any solid pieces, about 1 minute. Transfer to a bowl. Refrigerate up to several days or freeze up to 1 month.

(From Martha Stewart Living.)

Frightening Fingers
Makes 5 dozen cookies

1 cup butter (no substitutes), softened
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
Red decorating gel
1/2 cup sliced almonds

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in the egg and extracts. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Divide dough into fourths. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes or until easy to handle.

Working with one piece of dough at a time, roll into 1-in. balls. Shape balls into 3-in. x 1/2-in. fingers. Using the flat tip of a table knife, make an indentation on one end of each for fingernail. With a knife, make three slashes in the middle of each finger for knuckle.

Place 2 in. apart on lightly greased baking sheets. Bake at 325 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool for 3 minutes.

Squeeze a small amount of red gel on nail bed; press a sliced almond over gel for nail, allowing gel to ooze around nail. Remove to wire racks to cool.

(This recipe from Taste of Home magazine.)

Variation: For Infected Monster Toes, mold dough into toe shapes and substitute a smashed green Fruit Gusher candy for the red gel and sliced almond. (From Jennifer Mastroianni, Copley News Service.)

Scary Spiders
Makes 40 spiders

1/2 cup softened butter
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups California raisins
1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
4 cups (1 pound) powdered sugar
Powdered sugar, chopped nuts and/or chocolate sprinkles
Licorice laces or whips
Small candies

In large bowl, beat butter, corn syrup, salt and vanilla extract together until creamy. Mix in raisins and nuts. Sift in powdered sugar 1 cup at a time until mixture thickens. Turn onto board and sprinkle with powdered sugar and use hands to form dough. Shape into 1-inch balls. Roll in powdered sugar, finely chopped walnuts or chocolate sprinkles. Cut licorice whips into 2-inch lengths and shape into legs. Arrange four legs on two sides of each ball. Place on wax paper-lined tray. Top with small candies for eyes. Chill until firm.

(From Saimi Rote Bergmann, Copley News Service.)

Yummy Mummy Cookies
Makes about 30 cookies

2/3 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 eggs
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cocoa
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 to 2 packages (10 ounces each) white chocolate chips
1 to 2 tablespoons shortening (do not use butter, margarine or oil)
Miniature semisweet chocolate chips, for garnish

Beat butter, sugar and vanilla in a large bowl until creamy. Add eggs; beat well.

Stir together flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; gradually add to butter mixture, beating until blended. Refrigerate dough 15 to 20 minutes or until firm enough to handle.

Heat oven to 350 degrees. To form mummy bodies, using 1 tablespoon dough, roll into 3 1/2-inch-long carrot shape; place on an ungreased cookie sheet. To form the mummy's head, roll 1 teaspoon dough into a ball the size and shape of a grape, press onto the wide end of the body. Repeat procedure with remaining dough.

Bake 8 to 9 minutes, or until set. Cool slightly; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely.

Place 1 2/3 cups (a 10-ounce package) white chips and 1 tablespoon shortening in microwave-safe pie plate or shallow bowl. Cook on high (100 percent power) for 1 minute; stir until chips are melted.

Coat tops of cookies by placing one cookie at a time on table, knife or narrow metal spatula; spoon white chip mixture over cookie to coat. (If mixture thickens, return to microwave for a few seconds.)

Place coated cookies on wax paper. Melt additional chips with shortening, if needed, for additional coating. As coating begins to set on cookies, using a toothpick, score lines and facial features into coating to resemble mummy. Place 2 small semisweet chocolate chips on each cookie for eyes. Store covered in cool, dry place.

(This recipe from Hershey's Cocoa.)

Frozen Witches
Serves 8

Tube of chocolate decorating gel
8 chocolate sugar cones
8 thin, round chocolate wafers
1 pint pistachio ice cream
Black shoestring licorice
Chocolate chips
Candy corn

For each dessert, squeeze a ring of decorating gel around the edge of the cone and attach the cone to a chocolate wafer "rim," then set it aside.

Using an ice-cream scoop, drop individual "heads" of ice cream onto a cookie sheet lined with waxed paper.

Cut pieces of licorice to make hair and a mouth and arrange them in place on the ice-cream face. Add chocolate-chip eyes and a candy-corn nose. Top each scoop with a cone hat (flatten the ice cream slightly so the hat doesn't fall off.) Freeze for at least two hours, or until the hats are set in place.

Note: To avoid meltdown, make these desserts in batches of four.

(This recipe from Family Fun magazine.)

For Kids

Witch's Wagons

Cut celery into 2-inch pieces. Spread with peanut butter and dot with candy corn or gummi creatures. For wheels, slice carrots into thin coins and secure with toothpicks to celery. This is a healthy snack, plus kids love it.

Baby Jack

Draw jack-o'-lantern faces on oranges, then cut off top part and scoop out pulp. Pour in orange Jell-O that's not quite set. Add red cinnamon candies, candy corn and/or chocolate chips. Chill till set. (Put the oranges in muffin tins to keep them steady while they chill.)

Graveyard Pudding

Fill clear plastic cups with chocolate pudding. Crumble chocolate cookies on top to look like dirt. Stick Chiclets in to look like gravestones. Add sugar skeletons and tiny candy pumpkins.

An Apple a Day

Start with caramel apples made from kits. Let kids create their own monsters by adding marshmallow eyes, for instance, or licorice legs and arms. (If needed, use bits of icing or syrup to make the stuff stick to the apple.)

Frozen Floating Hands

2 cups hot water
1/2 cup honey
1-2 tablespoons lemon juice
Red food coloring
Plastic gloves

Blend water and honey and lemon juice in bowl. Pour into clean rubber glove. Drop in a few drops of red food coloring for a marbled or blood vein look. Freeze completely.

To serve, peel off glove -- carefully -- and add to punch bowl.

(From Saimi Rote Bergmann, Copley News Service.)

For Grown-ups

Great Glogg

1 gallon dry red wine
2 cinnamon sticks
4 to 5 cloves
Peel of 1 orange, cut into strips
1 kiwi fruit, peeled and thinly sliced
1 cup raisins
1 cup dry roasted, unsalted mixed nuts (no peanuts)
1 (750 ml) bottle fruity young red wine
1 pint brandy
Sugar
Additional nuts and raisins

Combine 3 cups dry red wine, cinnamon sticks, cloves, orange peel, kiwi, raisins and nuts in medium saucepan. Cover and simmer over very low heat for 3 to 5 minutes. Do not allow mixture to boil. Remove from heat and let stand at room temperature 45 minutes to steep.

Strain into large stockpot. Add remaining red wine. Cover and cook over low heat until heated through. Do not boil. Stir in brandy. Stir in sugar to taste. Remove from heat and serve warm with nuts and raisins in mug.

(This recipe from Susan Janowski, Austin, Texas.)

Bloody Eyeball Martinis
Serves 1

Eyeball:
1 radish
1 pimiento stuffed green olive

Drink:
1 shot gin or vodka
1/4 shot dry vermouth (more or less to taste)

Prepare ice "eyeballs" at least a day before your plan to use them. Peel radishes, leaving thin streaks of red skin to represent blood vessels. Using the tip of the vegetable peeler or a small knife, carefully scoop out a small hole in each radish, roughly the size of an olive. Stuff a green olive, pimiento side out, in each hole. Place 1 radish eyeball in each section of an empty ice cube tray. Pare the radishes down a bit to fit, if necessarry. Fill the tray with water and freeze overnight.

To make drink, shake liquor in cocktail shaker and pour over two to three eyeball ice cubes in a martini glass. Or add liquor and three to four ice cubes to tall cocktail glass and stir.

(From http://www.fabulousfoods.com.)

Pumpkin Recipes

Pumpkin Butter

1/4 cup canned pumpkin
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 unsalted butter

Heat canned pumpkin in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until it dries out (about 2 minutes). Let cool; then, by hand or with an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, fold puree, nutmeg, allspice and cinnamon into room-temperature unsalted butter. Refrigerate up to two weeks.

(From Martha Stewart Living.)

Pumpkin Fritters
Serves 4

1 cup grated raw pumpkin
1 large egg
1 cup flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
Dash of salt
1/4 cup raisins (optional)
Vegetable oil for deep frying
Brown sugar (optional)

In a large bowl, combine pumpkin, egg, flour, sugar, vanilla and salt. Blend in the raisins (if using). Form the batter into approximately 20 loosely packed 1- to 1-1/4-inch balls.

In a large skillet, heat 1 inch of oil to 350 to 375 degrees. Drop the fritters into the oil, being careful not to crowd, and brown well on all sides. Drain the fritters on paper towels and, if desired, sprinkle with brown sugar.

(From "Jazz Cooks: Portraits and Recipes of the Greats.")

Smoky Pumpkin Soup
Serves 6

6 slices bacon, fat reserved after cooking
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
6 cups peeled cut-up pumpkin (1-inch pieces)
6 cups beef stock
1/2 cup Marsala wine
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cook bacon until crisp, remove bacon and dice when cool. Pour reserved bacon fat into stockpot and heat, along with butter, on medium-high heat. Add pumpkin and saute for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour in the stock and simmer, covered, until the pumpkin is very tender, about 30 minutes. Remove from heat.

Add Marsala, thyme, salt and pepper to taste. Process the soup in batches in a blender until smooth. Return to the stockpot. Add the bacon. Simmer 10 minutes. Serve immediately.

(From "The Silver Palate Good Times Cookbook.")

Snack Attack

2006-07-01T12:03:00.000-07:00

from...

http://www.calgarysun.com/cgi-bin/publish.cgi?p=64906&x=articles&s=lifestyle

Scary snacks

Lorena D. Johnson
Calgary Sun

October 27, 2002

Halloween doesn’t have to be just child’s play. Adults can get into the spooky spirit too by hosting a party of their own to celebrate the holiday.

EYEBALL HIGHBALLS

Keep it simple with a few recipes designed around the autumn season. Or go all out with scary starters, eerie entrees and devilish desserts — this is a great opportunity to show off your culinary skills.

The party can be as wild as your imagination with foods designed to shock and wow your guests — whatever your heart desires.

Here are a few ideas from some culinary professionals on how to get the job done Halloween-style:

DEEP FRIED ANTS

“Deep fried ants” will have your guests running scared. Simply deep-fry shredded coconut and serve to guests to munch on,” suggests Fritz Sonnenschmidt, national chairman of the American Academy of Chefs.

• • • • •

DEVILISH POPCORN

For a devilishly hot popcorn treat, blend popcorn with red caramel, spicy Cajun seasoning, Tabasco, salt, dried orange peel, red and black licorice bits and top off with butter,” suggests Cory Schreiber, chef-owner of Wildwood Restaurant and Bar, Portland, Ore.

• • • • •

GRAVE MATTER

While this one sounds like a great one for the kids to enjoy, it would also make a great centrepiece for an adult party.

“For an edible tombstone centrepiece to die for, grind chocolate wafer cookies in the food processor until crumbs form,” said Susan Goss, chef and co-owner of West Town Tavern, Chicago.

Mound the crumbs on a tray. On the ends of rectangular shortbread cookies, spread marshmallow fluff and press through the cookie “dirt,” to attach to the tray.

Complete the creepy graveyard look by scattering gummy worms and spiders.

• • • • •

MARTHA'S HALLOWEEN

Martha Stewart recommends adults take some time out for themselves on Halloween as well in her book, Halloween, The Best of Martha Stewart (Clarkson Potter/Publishers).

Each year, one family can host the end-of-the-night party — the last trick or treat stop — featuring some speciality items for the weary parents. Consider Eyeball Highballs to wash down Tortilla Spikes with The Devil’s Salsa.

Whatever theme your Halloween party takes, it’s sure to be a night for the adults to remember.

— with files from AP • • • • •

TORTILLA SPIKES

You will need to make these in two batches. Serves eight.

1/4 cup olive oil
1 tsp. chili powder
12 flour tortillas
11/2 tsp. coarse salt

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Combine the oil and chili powder in a small bowl. Brush each tortilla with the oil mixture and sprinkle with salt.
2. Cut into 1-in.-wide strips, and arrange in a single layer on two baking sheets.
3. Bake until crisp and golden brown, eight to 10 minutes.

• • • • •

THE DEVIL’S SALSA

2 ears corn kernels
3 Tbsp. olive oil
1 orange bell pepper
1 15-oz. can black beans, rinsed, drained
1 mango, peeled, pitted and diced
1 hot red pepper, seeds and ribs removed, finely diced
1/2 red onion, finely diced
Juice of 2 limes (about 5 Tbsp.)
1 tsp. coarse salt

1. Preheat oven to 450 F. Place corn on a baking sheet brushed with 1 tsp. olive oil; roast until kernels begin to brown. Set aside to cool.
2. Place pepper on gas burner; roast until charred on all sides. Transfer to bowl; cover with plastic wrap. When cool, peel off charred skin with your fingers, and remove stem and seeds. Chop into 1/4-in. dice; place in large bowl.
3. Add corn, beans, half of the diced mango, hot red pepper, onion, lime juice, remaining oil and salt; toss to combine. Chop remaining mango until a thick puree forms; stir into salsa.

— Halloween, The Best of Martha Stewart Living (Clarkson Potter/Publishers)

• • • • •

SMILIN’ JACK SANDWITCH

This would be a delight for both the young and old.
Makes one large portion or two smaller serving.

2 or 3 ready-made frozen bread-dough rolls
1 beaten egg

1. Thaw rolls and press together to form a flat oval “pumpkin” shape. With a knife, cut a shallow, wide V-shape in the side of the oval. Rotate the V about a quarter-turn and tuck the point under the “pumpkin” to form the stem.2. Place on a cookie sheet coated with nonstick cooking spray. Cut out three large triangles for eyes and a nose, and a large crescent shape for a mouth. Leave some teeth in, if desired.
3. Cut three curved lines from top to bottom, almost but not all the way through the dough. Brush with egg and allow to rise for 30 minutes.
4. Bake at 350 F for about 20 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool on rack, then slice horizontally.
5. Fill with piping hot barbecue beef and cheese, or your own favourite sandwich makings.

— Rhodes Bake-N-Serve

• • • • •

EYEBALL HIGHBALLS

Watch the reaction of your guests as they down this drink. Serves four.

14 small radishes
7 pimiento-stuffed olives, halved crosswise
16 oz. gin or vodka
1 oz. vermouth

1. Trim stem and root ends of each radish. Using a paring knife, scrape red skin from radish, leaving just enough to give veiny appearance.With a small melon baller, cut a hole in the radish, about 1/2-in. in diameter. Fit an olive half, cut side out into the hole. Place radish in ice-cube tray. Repeat with remaining radishes. Fill tray with water and freeze.
2. Mix gin or vodka with vermouth; stir with ice. Divide eyeball ice cubes among four glasses. Strain martini; pour into glasses and serve.

— Halloween, The Best of Martha Stewart Living (Clarkson Potter/Publishers)

• • • • •

THE GREAT PUMPKIN CAKE

You’ll need two eight-inch bundt pans. To make a stem, twist a brown paper lunch bag into a stem shape and wrap it tightly with green floral tape. Insert stem into the centre of the cake. Serves 16.

1 Tbsp. unsalted butter, plus more for pans
3/4 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder, sifted, plus more for pans
2 cups sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. coarse salt
2 large eggs
2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup canola oil
3/4 cup nonfat buttermilk
3/4 cup milk
3 oz. hazelnut or milk chocolate
3 oz. bittersweet chocolate
7 oz. heavy cream
Orange Butter Glaze
Chocolate Leaves for garnish

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Generously butter the inside of two 8-in. bundt pans; dust lightly with cocoa powder.
2. Combine sugar, flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and salt in the bowl of an electric mixer; set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla, canola oil, buttermilk and milk. Slowly add egg mixture to sugar mixture. Mix the batter with a paddle on low speed until smooth, about one minute. Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake cakes until cake tester inserted into centre comes out clean, about 40 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack and cool for 20 minutes before removing.
4. Place both chocolates, heavy cream and remaining tablespoon of butter in a medium heat-proof bowl or the top of a double boiler, over a pan of gently simmering water. Heat, stirring often, until chocolate is completely melted, about five minutes. Remove from heat, and let cool to room temperature. Whisk chocolate until lightened; set aside.
5. Using a serrated knife, trim the bottoms of both cakes so they are both flat. Spread the chocolate evenly on the flat side of one of the cakes. Invert the remaining cake onto the chocolate to form a pumpkin shape.
6. Working quickly, pour orange butter glaze over the cake, tilting the cake as necessary to coat all sides. Let the glaze set completely before garnishing with chocolate leaves.

• • • • •

ORANGE BUTTER GLAZE

5 Tbsp. milk
A few drops of orange liquid paste food colouring
4 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, melted

1. In a small bowl, combine the milk and the orange food colouring until the mixture reaches the desired colour and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar and melted butter. Add the milk mixture, and continue whisking until smooth. Use immediately.

• • • • •

CHOCOLATE LEAVES

20 ivy or rose leaves, about 21/2-in. long
4 oz. hazelnut or milk chocolate, chopped

1. Wash the leaves, and dry thoroughly. Set aside on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place chocolate in a medium heat-proof bowl, or the top of a double boiler, over a pan of simmering water. Stir occasionally until chocolate is melted. Remove from heat.
2. Using a soft 1/4-in. pastry brush, coat the underside of each leaf with a thin layer of chocolate. Place leaves in the refrigerator until firm.
3. Brush the leaves with a second layer of chocolate, and chill again. When firm, carefully peel the leaf from the chocolate. Set chocolate leaves on baking sheet, and store in the refrigerator until ready to use. Use within one day.

— Halloween, The Best of Martha Stewart Living (Clarkson Potter/Publishers)

Bat Pinata

2006-07-01T11:56:00.000-07:00

from...
http://www.marthastewart.com/page.jhtml?type=content&id=channel190846&page=5&edfParentCat=&subStyleType=&layout=&catid=&navLevel=&site=&dp=false

Bat Piñata

This bat piñata is creepy enough to be the center of your decorations. Just be careful after dark; he might swoop down and give you a fright.

You will also need: newspaper, string, candy, white card stock, black poster board.

Cover one large and one small balloon with four layers of newspaper, then with black tissue. (Note: When making body from large balloon, stop after two layers of newspaper and tie a long piece of string around center; continue with newspaper and tissue.) Let dry. Cut a hole in top of body with utility knife (save piece to use for ears); remove balloon. Cover cut edge with tissue. Fill body with candy.

Assembling Bat
Pop and remove the balloon from smaller piece. Place small sphere (the head) onto large one (the body). Drape several layers of tissue paper over the head toward the body and around the neck, brushing with diluted glue until neck is secure. Let dry.

Draw or download and print face template; trace onto white card stock. Cut out features; attach with undiluted glue. Cut ears from reserved piece; glue in place.

Making Wings
Sketch large wing shapes on black poster board, and cut them out. Secure wings to the sides of the bat’s body with black duct tape. Paste black tissue paper over the joints to cover the tape. Next, use tape to attach a length of string to the end of each wing. (This will allow you to suspend the wings as if in flight.) Cover the tape with tissue paper. To hang the bat, suspend from body string. Then, tack the two wing strings to the ceiling to make the bat look as if it is flying.

PRINTABLE FILES

We offer the downloadable file in a portable document format, or PDF, in order to make the details clear and printable. To view and print the file, you need a program called Adobe Acrobat Reader, which most browsers already include. If you have trouble downloading the file, or if you’d like an upgrade, you can obtain the software for free from Adobe’s website.

Candy Dispenser

2006-07-01T11:55:00.000-07:00

from....
http://www.marthastewart.com/page.jhtml?type=content&id=channel190846&page=4&edfParentCat=&subStyleType=&layout=&catid=&navLevel=&site=&dp=false

Candy Dispenser

This hissing papier-mâché cat has a mouthful of treats.

You will also need: newspaper, white pencil, black duct tape, white and black card stock, treats.

Cover balloon with two layers of red tissue paper, two of newspaper, then with black tissue. Let dry. With utility knife and scissors, cut out a mouth-shaped wedge (sketch with white pencil first); set aside. Secure with duct tape across inside of upper lip. Cover tape with black tissue. Cut ears from wedge, and affix with duct tape; cover with tissue. Download and print face template; trace onto card stock. Cut out features; attach with undiluted craft glue. Roll black tissue into whiskers; glue in place. Fill mouth with treats.

Cat-Bucket Variation: Make head without cutting out mouth; cut a hole on top. Place ears on either side. Poke a hole 1/2 inch in from edge on each side of rim; thread with black wire and twist ends for handle.

PRINTABLE FILES

Jack o' Lanterns to make

2006-07-01T11:39:00.000-07:00

from....
http://www.marthastewart.com/page.jhtml?type=content&id=channel190846&page=3&edfParentCat=&subStyleType=&layout=&catid=&navLevel=&site=&dp=false

Lantern

Jack-o’-lanterns set an eerie party mood. These papier-mâché versions started out as balloons. Strips of tissue paper and glue give the grinning faces structure. Make them with stems or without, and illuminate with battery-powered lights.

You will also need: floral wire, floral tape, cotton balls.

Cover a balloon with two layers of orange tissue paper, then two of yellow. Once dry, cut a lid from knot end, and a small circle from other end for a base. Cut out features with utility knife and scissors; cover inside with tissue (glue at edges). For stem, push three lengths of floral wire through knot hole in lid. Attach a cotton ball to underside with floral tape. Wrap each wire in floral tape; twist together at bottom to create stem’s base; wrap end of each wire around a pencil to make tendrils.

Treat Balls

2006-07-01T11:38:00.000-07:00

from...

http://www.marthastewart.com/page.jhtml?type=content&id=channel190846&page=2&edfParentCat=&subStyleType=&layout=&catid=&navLevel=&site=&dp=false

Treat Balls

Treat balls adorned with silhouettes are spooky party favors.

You will also need: treats.

Cover small balloons with one layer of orange tissue paper and then one layer of yellow. Cut out your own shapes, or download and print our silhouettes, then trace them onto black tissue paper; cut out each shape. Affix the silhouettes to spheres with diluted glue. When dry, enlarge knot holes (start cutting with utility knife, then finish with scissors). For party favors, fill balls with candy and tiny toys; paste a circle of orange tissue paper over the hole.

PRINTABLE FILES

Paper Caper

2006-07-01T11:25:00.000-07:00

from...

Paper Caper

The simplest supplies can make the party. The shivery, candy-fueled thrill of trick-or-treating lasts but an hour or two. Why not prolong the fun by inviting kids to a party? Little goblins can work together with grown-ups to make decorations, including papier-mâché pumpkins and decoupage lanterns. These easy crepe- and tissue-paper techniques can also be used to make spherical treat containers and even a piñata shaped like a wing-flapping bat. None of the projects here requires anything more than basic craft supplies. Set aside some time on an early-fall afternoon to create all, or just one, of the haunting ornaments. For a really special event, you can sew costumes with paper streamers and crepe paper. Soon your house will be transformed into the perfect venue for a monster celebration.

Papier-Mâché Basics
Almost all the projects on these pages—from tiny treat containers to a giant bat piñata—begin with these two steps: Pasting layers of tissue paper onto balloons that serve as forms, and then letting them dry, hardening so they can be cut and embellished. The balloons vary in size from the large birthday-party variety to small ones sometimes sold as water balloons. A list of what you’ll need to get started is below; additional necessary items are included with each project. Templates for treat-ball silhouettes and cat and bat faces can be downloaded and printed. When using black tissue paper, wear gloves and cover your work surface because the dye may run and stain.

Tools and Materials

balloons
jars
craft glue
colored tissue paper
medium artist’s paintbrush
clothespins and clothesline
small scissors
pencil
utility knife

Pasting
Begin by resting a balloon on an empty jar (this will prevent the damp tissue from discoloring or sticking to the work surface). Dab diluted craft glue (2 parts glue to 1 part water) on a small section of the balloon, and drape a strip of tissue paper from the balloon’s crown to its knot. Using a paintbrush, apply more glue over the strip. Add another strip so it slightly overlaps the first, and brush on more glue. Continue around the balloon, layering tissue as desired (see individual project instructions for details) and leaving the knot exposed.

Drying
Using clothespins, hang the tissue-covered balloons from the clothesline by their knots; let dry completely (several hours or overnight). Pop each balloon by making a slit with scissors next to the knot. Remove balloon through hole around knot.

Paper Mache Basics

2006-07-01T11:24:00.000-07:00

from...
http://www.marthastewart.com/page.jhtml?type=content&id=channel190846&page=1&edfParentCat=&subStyleType=&layout=&catid=&navLevel=&site=&dp=false

Paper Caper

Tools and Materials

balloons
jars
craft glue
colored tissue paper
medium artist’s paintbrush
clothespins and clothesline
small scissors
pencil
utility knife

Peekaboo

2006-07-01T11:23:00.000-07:00

from...
http://www.marthastewart.com/page.jhtml?type=content&id=channel190845&page=8&edfParentCat=&subStyleType=&layout=&catid=&navLevel=&site=&dp=false

Peekaboo

Being trapped in a candy dish is vexing, to be sure. The mini pumpkin at right had his stem sliced off, then was placed in the bowl. His eyes and nose were penciled in; he was removed, carved, and cruelly confined again. The one at left was carved, then balanced on a teapot.

Morbid Multiples

2006-07-01T11:22:00.001-07:00

from...

Morbid Multiples

Not one but five apple gourds, which have an unpleasantly mottled hue, lie in wait on this sill. Their shifty glances and tormented frowns were carved to look similar—yet not quite the same. A bed of dead branches ensures this vengeful band will get no sleep.

Dead Head Pumpkins

2006-07-01T11:22:00.000-07:00

from...
http://www.marthastewart.com/page.jhtml?type=content&id=channel190845&page=6&edfParentCat=&subStyleType=&layout=&catid=&navLevel=&site=&dp=false

Dead Heads

Don’t be shy: Show off your top-notch collection of bodiless heads by placing them atop pedestals. You can put the display next to a stair railing or adjacent to a walkway outdoors—in fact, anywhere you think a leering head would be a nice decorative touch.

Welcoming Committee

2006-07-01T11:21:00.000-07:00

from....http://www.marthastewart.com/page.jhtml?type=content&id=channel190845&page=3&edfParentCat=&subStyleType=&layout=&catid=&navLevel=&site=&dp=false

Welcoming Committee

These greeters are trying to smile, but their true feelings are revealed in their maniacal grins and grimaces. Perhaps they’re angry because someone took out their insides to make pie. Not to worry: They can’t eat you, at least not before sunset.

Birdbath Family

2006-07-01T11:20:00.000-07:00

From... http://www.marthastewart.com/page.jhtml?type=content&id=channel190845&page=2

Birdbath Family

Behold, the count and countess of Birdbath, and their three little countlings. They redid this abandoned two-story bath, carpeting it with Spanish moss, dead leaves, and branches. The gourds were carved from the bottom, like most other heads shown in our slide show, to keep stems intact.

About Face Pumpkin

2006-07-01T11:19:00.000-07:00

from...

About Face

These pumpkin heads are from the wrong side of the patch: Other gourds greet the world with toothy smiles and innocent triangle-shaped eyes, but this frightful bunch does its best to make passersby wish they had stayed home baking pie. If, however, you’re the sort of person who likes to keep strange company, you’ll be pleased how easy it is to create these gawking heads. Draw faces you like, or print our templates to make the ones shown here. Then carve the pumpkins as you would for normal, well-adjusted gourds. If neighbors talk, just lean out the window, bare your teeth, and waggle your eyebrows in an alarming manner.

Table Of Trouble

Even though they’re always disdainfully wrinkling their noses at you, this nosy family are smart to have around: They can smell danger from miles away. When carving, hollow them out from a hole in the bottom, and position their features on top so the stems can serve as noses.

Click through the following pages to see the whole gourd horde.

Face It (It's Easy)

You can use the general directions for all these projects, except the narrow butternut squash (separate directions follow).

You will need:

a keyhole saw or serrated knife
plaster scraper or large spoon
black marker and white paper or our template
masking tape
needle tool (from an art-supply store) or awl
serrated utility knife
miniature flashlights, battery-powered candles, or light sticks
an apple corer

How to Make the Faces
Begin by cutting a large hole in the bottom of a pumpkin with a keyhole saw or serrated knife, and then scrape out the insides with a plaster scraper until pumpkin walls are 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. To make the face, you can draw your own using black marker on white paper, or download and print our templates; enlarge the template to the desired size on a photocopier. Next, affix the face to the pumpkin with masking tape.

With a needle tool or awl, poke holes around the outline of each feature. Remove the paper, and then cut out features with a serrated utility knife, using the holes you poked as a guide. To illuminate the carved pumpkins, use miniature flashlights, battery-powered candles, or light sticks.

Carving a Squash
To hollow out a tall, skinny squash, scoop out the insides from the top and the bottom: Cut off the bottom with a keyhole saw, and use a plaster scraper to scoop out the wide bottom section until walls are 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. Then cut off the top with the keyhole saw, and use an apple corer to remove the insides at that end. Carve features as you would for the other pumpkins; replace the top for display, if desired.

About Face Pumpkin

2006-07-01T11:18:00.000-07:00

from...

About Face

Table Of Trouble

Click through the following pages to see the whole gourd horde. > > >

Face It (It's Easy)

You can use the general directions for all these projects, except the narrow butternut squash (separate directions follow).

You will need:

a keyhole saw or serrated knife
plaster scraper or large spoon
black marker and white paper or our template
masking tape
needle tool (from an art-supply store) or awl
serrated utility knife
miniature flashlights, battery-powered candles, or light sticks
an apple corer

Swamp Cider Idea

2006-07-01T11:11:00.001-07:00

from... http://www.marthastewart.com/page.jhtml?type=content&id=channel190843&page=4&edfParentCat=&subStyleType=&layout=&catid=&navLevel=&site=&dp=false

Bottle Labels

Triple the terror with these labels that urge guests to indulge—if they dare.

Download and print labels. Use craft glue to attach labels to plain room-temperature bottles or carafes (you can soak wine bottles to remove their original labels). Allow two days to set. Or print labels on adhesive-backed paper using an ink-jet printer, then press onto bottles.

Small Paper Pumpkin Lanterns

2006-07-01T11:11:00.000-07:00

from...
http://www.marthastewart.com/page.jhtml?type=content&id=channel190843&page=3&edfParentCat=&subStyleType=&layout=&catid=&navLevel=&site=&dp=false

Pumpkin Lanterns

Playful pumpkins open their mouths to let candlelight stream through.

Download and print lantern; then glue black paper onto the back and cut out. Use a utility knife to cut out eyes, noses, and mouths, and craft glue to affix orange tissue paper or vellum behind the cutouts.

Fold lantern on dotted lines, and secure tab with glue to close. Place over a votive candle in a glass holder.

Noisemakers and Place Cards

2006-07-01T11:10:00.000-07:00

from...

Noisemakers & Place Cards

These witches and bats cause double trouble—as noisemakers and place cards.

Download and print rounds. Glue black paper to the backs for sturdiness, and cut out the rounds. For noisemakers, cut mouth slit with a utility knife. Snip stem off an orange balloon, and stick the cut end through the slit from the back. Attach round to wooden craft stick with craft glue. Blow through balloon opening for a supernatural sound. For place cards, fill in slit with a black marker. Write a guest’s name in iridescent pen on the black border of each round, and set on dinner plates.

PRINTABLE FILES

We offer the downloadable files in a portable document format, or PDF, in order to make the details clear and printable. To view and print the file, you need a program called Adobe Acrobat Reader, which most browsers already include. If you have trouble downloading the file, or if you’d like an upgrade, you can obtain the software for free from Adobe’s website.

Spirited Paper Candy Dishes

2006-07-01T11:09:00.000-07:00

from

Spirited Table

Put away that book of spells. At Halloween, you need little more than paper, glue, and our original art to set a spirited table. The spookiest holiday of the year calls for entertaining in a frightful fashion. Whether you’re hosting a blowout party or just want to give dinner some demonic flair, our easy-to-assemble decorations will fit right in. We created the artwork, and give you some templates (to download them, follow the links in the text). Then set out hobgoblin place cards, devilish creatures to guard candy dishes, and boisterous noisemakers for a bloodcurdling sound track. Bottles of wine and cider sporting macabre labels will cackle “Drink me,” and pumpkin lanterns will beckon with an eerie glow. This is a table that will enliven the deadliest of celebrations.

Creature Candy Dishes

These bewitching characters are not as innocent as they seem. If you’re not careful, they’ll eat all the candy themselves.

Print Images and and cut out pieces, trimming along edge of bird or cat and fence, if desired. To make bodies, cut a foot-long piece of bumpy black or orange pipe cleaner in half. Bend one piece in half to make legs; twist at top to form a tiny loop. Stick other pipe-cleaner piece through loop for arms; twist arms around loop three times so they are shorter than legs. Glue heads to top of loop. For candy dish, fold fence pieces (a three-sided section and a taller back section) along dotted lines; form into a box, and glue fence tabs to stabilize. Add candies, and pose sentries.

Trick or Eat!

2006-07-01T11:02:00.000-07:00

from...

Trick Or Eat

This ravenous pumpkin is cursed: He must offer up sweets to children all evening, yet he is not allowed to eat them (neither the sweets nor the children). A treat-filled bowl was placed in his cavernous mouth, and miniature flashlights were tucked on either side, against his jowls.

Choir Boy Squashes

2006-07-01T11:01:00.000-07:00

from

Choirboys

Legend has it that the luckless souls who hear the Three Squashes’ song of woe shall vanish into the nearest vegetable patch, never to be seen or heard from again. Since narrow squashes are easier to hollow out if you work from both ends, these guys had the tops of their heads cut off.

Sparkling Cider

2006-06-30T07:46:00.000-07:00

Carlson's Sparkling Cider

Individual Bottles with THE PIERCE HOUSE Label.

1.00 a piece maybe? I prefer the larger bottle, however.

Details

2006-06-28T20:42:00.000-07:00

From, yet another, Martha Stewart Idea

Spider Toothpicks

These obliging arachnids help guests get a handle on snacks. With scissors, cut the bugs off plastic spider rings (available at party stores), then puncture their centers with a needle tool (from crafts stores). Insert the toothpick into the hole from bottom; color tip with a black marker. Set out with nibbles, such as mini mozzarella balls.

Pumpkin Party Cooler

You don’t need a fairy godmother to turn a pumpkin into an ice bucket. Just choose a large, wide pumpkin, cut off the top third with a serrated knife, and scrape out the pulp and seeds. Line the gourd with a glass or plastic bowl to prevent it from becoming water-logged. If the pumpkin opening is a bit too small for the bowl, carefully shave the inside edge with a spoon. Finish by filling the bowl with ice and bottled drinks.

Black Magic: Silk Flower Wreath

This once upon a midnight dreary wreath was created with materials from a crafts store, then sprayed it a raven hue and accented with a silky taffeta ribbon.

Tools And Materials
25 to 30 four-inch silk roses
16-inch wooden wreath form
Hot-glue gun
Black floral spray
Black taffeta ribbon
Flat thumb tacks

HOW-TO
1. Remove stems from roses, then attach blooms to wreath form with a hot-glue gun.

2. Lay wreath on a piece of newspaper in a well-ventilated area, and spray with black floral spray. Let dry for 30 minutes.

3. Cut about 54 inches of ribbon, and make a large bow; affix it to top of wreath with glue gun.

4. To hang, cut a second piece of ribbon to the desired length. Use tacks to fasten one end to the back of the wreath form and the other to the door stile.

Black Magic: Creepy Paper Mice

These creepy, crawly paper mice are not so nice. Stick these unsavory critters on stair risers, baseboards, or any spot where they might give unsuspecting passersby a little jump.

TOOLS AND MATERIALS
Black construction
Paper
Scissors
Masking tape

More Information

2006-06-28T20:29:00.000-07:00

From "about"

Why Spend a Lot When You Can Do-it-Yourself?

At this time of the year, one can't help but marvel at nature's bounty. Not only are we gifted with the autumn harvest for our plates, we're also given some of the most impressive ingredients for decorating our homes, easily and inexpensively.

Just take a simple, plump pumpkin for starters. Here are some ways to incorporate pumpkins into your autumn decorating scheme when entertaining:

Use a pumpkin as a vase for seasonal flowers by cutting off the top, scooping out the insides and inserting floral foam that has been cut to fit and soaked in water prior to adding flowers.
Create a seasonal arrangement using a pumpkin as the central ingredient and surrounding it with Indian corn, gourds, dried flowers, and stalks of wheat.
Use miniature pumpkins as candle holders by cutting off top the top and scooping out the inside.
If necessary for safety, cut off a small slice from the bottom of the pumpkins to level them before adding candles. Group the pumpkins in the center of your table, with a variety of candle heights for greatest interest.
Of course, we can't forget the first centerpiece idea that comes to everyone's mind - the jack-o-lantern! In addition to carving pumpkins for festive decorating, there are also fun stencil kits for painting your pumpkins with either regular acrylic paint, or glow-in-the-dark paints.

Here are a few other easy autumn centerpiece ideas that you can create yourself.

Decorating Tricks Turn Your Home Into a Halloween Treat

So this is the year you've finally decided to host the big neighborhood Halloween party. You want everything to be perfect for your guests, both young and old. Then my advice is to put your greatest time and effort into your Halloween decorations and create the mood for a really scary party. This is the one night each year when we look forward to creepy things. And with all the candy that will be eaten that night, gourmet food will not be everyone's highest priority, especially for the trick-or-treaters! Instead, think of your menu as part of the Halloween decorations.

Things You Can Do

Pay a lot of attention to your lighting. Turn your lights very low, or even turn them off, using only candles to create a spooky Halloween glow. Of course, be careful where you place the candles for the sake of safety.

And if you have a lot of young children at the party, skip the candles except in out of reach places, and replace your regular light bulbs with dark colored bulbs.

Fill your home with spooky wisps of smoke and fog made from dry ice.

Make a few ghastly head centerpieces for your buffet. Beware! With these ghouls looking over your food, there may be lots of leftovers!

Place shrunken apple heads in the least expected places such as on dining room or kitchen chairs, in your guests' coat pockets, or at the bottom of a snack bowl. Get busy now - these little babies take a couple of weeks to reach perfection.

Play spooky Halloween music inside and outside your house. We've had speakers outside our home for years, and the trick-or-treaters always love the scary sounds as they come up our driveway.

Welcome your guests with spooky jack-o-lanterns lining your walkway.

Create creepy spiders to scatter everywhere including your buffet table, chairs, ceilings and anyplace else your guests might be surprised.

Spread cobwebs in choice corners of your home (available at most party stores) and selectively place miniature spiders in each web.

Cover your furniture with white sheets to simulate a deserted haunted house. Scatter talcum powder over the sheets to create a dust cloud when your guests sit.

Make bat, witch or black cat silhouettes to hide in corners or on your windows.

Things You Can Serve

Bake a Goofy Spooks Cake with this easy recipe and decorations that involve turning marshmallows into spooky eyes.
Make some disgusting Halloween food such as a kitty litter cake and boogers on a stick.
What would a Halloween buffet be without a few edible eyeballs staring at your guests, waiting to be devoured?
For the heartier appetites you might want to dish up a few Brains on the Half Skull.
Stir up a batch of Swamp Slime Surprise and encourage the adults to drink it - if they dare!

Things You Can Buy

Martha by Mail is simply packed with great things for Halloween decorating. Whether you're looking for a vulture to hang around your dining room, or a kit to create a gingerbread haunted house (it's fabulous!), you have to look at all the options. Many are more reasonably priced than you'd expect.

Buy your own Fog Machine.

Shop at Pumpkin Masters for a wonderful selection of pumpkin carving tools and instructions.

Plum Party.com, one of the hippest party supply sites online, has a fun selection of decorations ranging from votive bags to inedible floating eyeballs.

Candle Light Ideas

2006-06-28T20:25:00.000-07:00

This is from http://www.littlebrightlights.com/site/1435548/page/612663
They sell lights.

Remember These Little Ideas

2006-06-28T20:16:00.000-07:00

From Better Homes and Gardens

On the Porch
Grouping seasonal items gives the display impact. This arrangement uses vines, pumpkins, and mums, using the vines to add height and movement.

	Fence Post Pumpkins A simple adornment sometimes makes more of a statement than something fancier. Here a single mini pumpkin sits atop each fence post.
	Scale One dramatic fall wreath is hung in a perfectly proportioned architectural feature on a garage.
	Step By Step A pumpkin for each step greets visitors in October and November.

	One for Fall One pumpkin sits in a prominent position over the front door.
	Fall Arrangement Long-lasting mums, potted plants, pumpkins, and gourds are displayed together near the front porch of this New England home.
	Branches Orange decorations look out of place on a pink painted exterior. Instead, use a long-lasting pretty arrangement of dried twigs set behind the outdoor light fixture.
	Big Pumpkins Two very large pumpkins are the only decoration needed for the entrance to this large home.

	Twig Basket A twig basket hung on the door can be filled with fall leaves, vines, or branches.
	Door Decor An antique is fitted with dried corn and displayed on the front door. Raffia knots add to the harvest theme.
	Topiaries Year round topiaries are decorated with preserved fall leaves in orange and gold. Pumpkins add more seasonal color.
	Architectural Features The molding over the front door is used for a small seasonal display of pumpkins and branches.

Shelf with Plates
Even a decorative plate shelf can be brought into the season with the addition of a row of pumpkins.

	Porch Decor These pumpkins look welcoming for a porch or front entry. The long stem adds interest and an unusual focal point.
	Plant Holders Pumpkins fit nicely into this iron plant holder.
	Leafy Stem The only decoration on this pretty pumpkin is some fall leaves arranged around the stem.

And Don't Forget...

Bring Fall to Your Home

One Pumpkin
This pumpkin is all that's needed to make a beautiful centerpiece. Add some colorful silk leaf garland and a few ears of dried corn for an arrangement that can last a month or more.

	Vege Tray Pile up vegetables and minipumpkins on a tray. Fill in any gaps with moss, straw, wheat, or leaves. It's dramatic, moveable, and long lasting.
	Unadorned Use a simple basket, platter or tray to corral a variety of pumpkins and dried corn.
	Go Elegant If orange isn't your color then go for an elegant look with a plant in a beautiful container flanked by silver candlesticks. The only hint of fall is in a scattering of gold and eggplant silk leaves on the table.

Apple Basket
Fill a twiggy basket with fresh fall apples and garnish with a few colorful leaves or berry sprigs.

	Mini Pumpkins Adorn a narrow mantle or shelf with a row of mini pumpkins and fall leaves. More for Mantles
	Simple Line Make a row of fall materials... here mini pumpkins are alternated with one red leaf. Try this with acorns, pinecones, twigs, or other natural elements.
	Raffia Basket This basket arrangement is easy to make and move around. Fill a basket or tray with straw package shred, then top with pumpkins and gourds. Finish off the edges with leaves.

Tiered Server
Decorate serving pieces with fall fruits, leaves, and mini pumpkins. Here a tiered serving plate is filled with seasonal items and placed in the dining room.

	Houseplants Give houseplants a touch of fall by adding a few preserved fall leaves between stems.
	Kitchen Island Spice up a kitchen with an arrangement on an island or countertop. Here the usual houseplant sits with a pumpkin and orange flowers for a cheery kitchen decoration.
	Pumpkin on a Platter Make one pumpkin more prominent by placing it on a platter of fall leaves. Decorate with a few ears of mini corn.

	Leaf Arrangement Arrange preserved fall leaves in a rustic basket. Add some berry and wheat sprigs for added texture.
	Seasonal Runner Use a seasonal runner to bring a touch of fall to your dining room.
	Picture This Drape a silk leaf garland over a picture frame for autumn.
	Happy Pumpkins Ceramic pumpkins are set on a bed of red fall leaves and decorated with a few twig birdnests.

Harvest Centerpiece Project
(Open browser window to maximum size to see all instructions.)

This simple centerpiece can be arranged in minutes on a platter or tray, and will last several days. Just prior to your dinner, finish the arrangement by garnishing with kale leaves.

See Centerpiece Materials Page

*Materials Needed* Platter or Tray Small potted mum or ivy 3 Small pumpkins or gourds Mini-pumpkins Apples Greenery (Fresh or preserved greens, leaves, kale, parsley, or moss)
	To begin Place a flowering mum in one corner of the platter. Then nestle two small pumpkins and a gourd next to the plant. Tip: Remember to water the mum, and take care to keep water off of pumpkins and furniture. Tip: This arrangement can also be made on a wooden board or on a piece of plastic directly on the table.
	Mini-Pumpkins Add several mini-pumpkins around the platter. Tip: Save your Halloween mini-pumpkins to decorate all through November.
	Apples Place apples under and around the pumpkins. Tip: Small apples will give you more flexibility in the arrangement. Use all red, or all green, or a variety.
	Finish with a Greenery Use greenery between the items on the platter to create the illusion that this variety of items "belong" together. Use fresh or preserved greens, leaves, kale, parsley, or moss. Add fresh items just prior to your event to avoid wilting. Tip: Sheet or Spanish (gray) moss can be substituted for the greens if desired.

Centerpieces I can do

2006-06-28T20:04:00.000-07:00

From http://interiordec.about.com/cs/tabletoparticles3/l/blfallpr027c1.htm

	Materials: Gather about 15 miniature pears and about 8 small crab apples. You'll also need several sprigs of oak leaves, a handful of acorns, 5 apples, and 3 larger pears.
	Arrange 5 apples in the bottom of the bowl, then three large pears. Tip: Use artificial fruit for a long-lasting arrangement that only needs dusting!
	Mound the top with the miniature pears.
	Tuck 6 or 8 fall leaf sprigs among the pears. Oak leaves will dry naturally without shriveling. Tip: Use artificial leaves if desired.
	Garnish with small crab apples and acorns.
	Go to

Garnished Pillar Candle

	Set candle in center of bowl.
	Surround base of candle with a circle of fruits or vegetables. We've used baby artichokes.
	Finally, make a circle of small lemons around the edge of the bowl. Go to

Decorative Balls Centerpiece

Arrange decorative spheres in a large bowl.

(Open browser window to maximum size to see all instructions.)
See More Centerpieces: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

	Fill bottom of bowl with about 2" of water. Insert roses so that stems are in the water.
	Add sprigs of babies breath so stems are under water.
	If desired add green leaves to fill in the arrangement.
	Go to

We simply added 8 yellow mums and a few clippings of leather fern, for an arrangement that will last many days if wilted flowers are replaced or removed as needed.

Pile fruits into the bowl. This photo shows how many flower and leaf stems were used in this arrangement.

Note: Ripening fruit can cause fresh flowers to wilt so be sure to add flowers only an hour or so before your party.

	We used a few stems of leather leaf.
	Cut the leather leaf into smaller sprigs to insert into the arrangement.
	Here's the finished arrangement, with flowers and leaves inserted between the lemons. Add water to the bowl if desired, to keep flowers fresh longer, or use floral water tubes for each flower.

Pine Cone and Twigs

Natural fall materials can be found on walks or in your backyard. Use them to make an autumn centerpiece for a fall dinner or Thanksgiving.

We fit a few pine cones into our bowl, surrounded them with some fall leaves, then stuck in a handful of colorful red twigs.

Pine Cone and Twigs Centerpiece • Bowl
• assortment of pine cones
• handful of fall leaves
• handful of lightweight fall twigs

We placed one large round pinecone in the center of our bowl and surrounded it with several long thin pinecones.

Next we placed fall leaves in and around the pine cones. Last, the lightweight twigs were stuck down into the arrangement, held in place by the pine cones. Add a few more fall leaves if desired.

	Arrange several pine cones in the bowl.
	Surround the pine cones with fall leaves. Here we've used dried fern fronds.
	Finally, add a handful of lightweight twigs, and garnish with a few fall leaves.

Tangerine Centerpiece

Fruit and Flowers add color

Bright orange tangerines and yellow lemons add fresh color to a table.

Vary the flowers to fit your mood -- anything from white daisies, orange roses, or purple statice might look wonderful.

Enjoy!

Tangerine Centerpiece • Bowl, platter, or tray
• 6-10 tangerines
• 6-10 lemons or limes
• a few stems of green leaves
• 8-12 flowers (daisies, roses, mums, etc.)

Arrange fruit in bowl, and place some extra fruit around the base of the bowl.

Cut the flower stems to about 3-6" long and insert between the fruits. Note: Ripening fruit can cause fresh flowers to wilt so be sure to add flowers only an hour or so before your party.

Clip leaf stems into shorter lengths and insert under fruit around the edge of the bowl.

Tip: Flowers may last several hours without water. To make an arrangement last longer, fill the bottom of the bowl with water and cut flower stems long enough to reach down to the water. Or, use floral water tubes for each flower stem.

Tip: Use silk flowers and leaves for a very long-lasting arrangement.

	We started with a small box of tangerines and some yellow mums.
	We arranged the tangerines and some small lemons in our bowl. Note: Ripening fruit can cause fresh flowers to wilt so be sure to add flowers only an hour or so before your party.
	Next we added the flowers and leaves. Vary this arrangement by choosing apples, figs, grapes, plums, or peaches, and changing the flowers to roses, mini-carnations, or lilies.
	Go to

Limes, Candle, and Roses Centerpiece

Fruit and flowers bring easy style to a table

Limes add color, scent, and stability to this centerpiece.

We've used roses, but almost any kind of flower could be used. Feathery leaves add texture and appeal.

Enjoy!

Limes, Candle, and Roses Centerpiece

• Bowl
• large pillar candle
• 6-9 limes
• a few stems of green leaves
• 8-12 flowers (daisies, roses, mums, etc.)

Place candle in the center of the bowl.

Set a row of limes around the candle. Fill base of bowl with an inch or two of water.

Cut rose stems to 4-6", making sure that each stem can reach the water. Arrange roses evenly around the bowl, with some resting on the edge of the bowl.

Note: Ripening fruit can cause fresh flowers to wilt so be sure to add flowers only an hour or so before your party.

Clip leaf stems into 5-8" lengths and insert evenly around the bowl.

	Place a large pillar candle in the bowl.
	Surround the candle with a row of limes.
	Fill bottom of the bowl with about 2" of water. Then insert rose stems between the limes so that rose stems are under water. Note: Ripening fruit can cause fresh flowers to wilt so be sure to add flowers only an hour or so before your party.
	Add leaf sprigs and insert into the water.




	Go to

Yet another craft project

2006-06-28T20:00:00.000-07:00

Sca

Scared Stiff

These spooky ghosts add a festively frightening touch to any tabletop.

What You Need:

	Add this spooky duo to your home.

12-inch-long plastic foam cone
4-inch-diameter plastic foam ball
Twigs
Masking tape
Plastic wrap
White fabric
Fabric stiffener (available at crafts stores)
Plastic bag
Purple, green, and black fabric or craft pens

Instructions:

	Fabric stiffener firms the shape.

1. Assemble a form for the ghost. Attach the foam ball to the top of the cone with a short straight twig. Use masking tape to fasten several twigs together to make arms, then insert the arms as desired into the sides of the cone. Cover the entire shape with plastic wrap.

2. Cut a piece of white fabric into a square or a circle. Make sure the fabric is large enough to fully cover the form with some extra for draping.

3. Pour 1 cup of fabric stiffener into the plastic bag. Place the fabric piece in the bag. (Photo 1) Squeeze the bag repeatedly to soak the fabric with stiffener. Add more stiffener to the bag, if necessary.

4. Remove the fabric from the bag. Lay it out on a flat surface that's covered with waxed paper. Press it with the heel of your hand to reshape the fabric so it will be easy to drape over the form.

5. Place the fabric over the form. Drape it to shape a ghost. Keep some of the fabric along the base so the ghost will stand by itself when it's removed from the form. (Photo 2) Let the fabric dry.

6. Paint on eyes, eyebrows, and a mouth. Remove the ghost from the form. Reuse the form to make more ghosts.

Invitation and Sorted Paper Details

2006-06-28T19:48:00.000-07:00

Invitaton How to from Better Homes and Gardens...

One black face mask, approximately 7 x 4 inches (or other size as desired; masks available at crafts or party supply stores)
One 8-1/2 x 8-1/2-inch piece orange construction paper (or appropriate size for the mask selected)
Ruler
Crafts glue
One 10-inch-long piece of 1-inch-wide black paper
Clear adhesive tape (optional)
Black pen or marker
One 9-inch-long piece of 1/2-inch-wide orange paper
Computer and printer (optional)
Crafts knife or scissors
Envelope (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place mask in the center of the construction paper. Fold paper over the mask, leaving a gap so the eyeholes are visible (fold approximately 1-1/2 inches on one side and 2-1/2 inches on the other). Remove mask.

2. Glue the short sides of the construction paper. Allow to dry. Place mask back in folded envelope.

3. Wrap black paper strip around the center of the short side of the invitation. Secure in back with tape or glue. Using a black pen or marker, write party details on center of orange paper. Or, create a computer-generated message, print it out, and cut orange paper into strips. Wrap orange paper around the black paper. Secure in back with tape or glue. If desired, place in envelope to deliver.

What You Need:

For each invitation

This friendly ghosts doubles as a decoration
for you home.

8-1/2 x 11-inch sheets of white paper
Ruler
Pencil
Black marker
One 8-1/2 x 11-inch sheet of vellum paper
Scissors
Glitter spray
Black thread
Needle
Black cover stock, cut to 5-3/4 x 9-1/4 inches
Clear tape or spray adhesive
White opaque ink pen
One 6 x 9-inch vellum envelope (optional)

Instructions:

1. Draw a 5-1/2 x 9-1/4-inch box on white paper using the pencil. Within the box, draw a ghost figure, using the photo as reference. Fill in eyes and mouth with black marker. When satisfied with the pattern, photocopy onto vellum.

2. Cut out the ghost with scissors, following the black lines. Spray with glitter spray. Allow to dry. If using as a hanging decoration, poke a needle threaded with black thread through the top, and hang via the thread.

3. Position the ghost on black card stock for the invitation. Use tape or spray adhesive to secure the head to the card stock. (Leave the coils untaped so they dangle when taken out of the envelope.) Using a white opaque ink pen, follow around the ghost's curves to write a message on the card. Allow to dry. If desired, place in vellum envelope to deliver.

Festive Autumn Invitation

Leaves, acorns, or dried flowers-either real or from the hobby store-add a bountiful touch to a fall fest card.

What You Need:

For each invitation

The embellishments needed for this
invitation may be as close as your
own backyard.

One 8-1/2 x 11-inch piece of rust-color card stock (or another color as desired)
One 8-1/2 x 11-inch piece of patterned leaf paper
Pencil
Computer and printer (optional) or pen
One 8-1/2 x 11-inch piece of vellum
Crafts knife and paper punch
Raffia, at least 23 inches in length
Decorative leaves and dried flowers
Crafts glue
Envelope (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mark card stock and patterned paper approximately 1-3/4 inches from the top and 4-1/2 inches from the bottom. Lay patterned paper on top of card stock and carefully fold at the markings.

2. Type party information on a computer (or write the information with a pen), leaving about 3-1/2 inches at the top of the page. Print a test sample. When satisfied, print out on vellum.

3. Place vellum on top of the patterned paper and fold carefully into thirds. Trim any overhang with a crafts knife. Using a paper punch, make one hole in the center of the smaller folded flap near the edge, punching through all three paper layers. Make a second hole 3/4 inch farther from the edge than the first hole. Fold so the flap with the punches is on the outside.

4. String raffia through holes and around the invitation (if desired, you can skip this step and simply wrap the invitation with raffia). Tie into a bow. Glue on leaves, dried flowers, and other seasonal trims. If desired, place in envelope to mail or deliver.

Recipe Ideas

2006-06-28T19:44:00.000-07:00

GumDrop Pumpkins from Better Homes and Gardens

Use these gumdrops as party favors by placing several in a small crate, papier-mache box, or basket lined with crimped shredded paper. Tuck in a plastic spider ring as the frightful finishing touch.

What You Need:

Orange slice-shaped jelly candies
Small green gumdrops

Instructions:

1. To make pumpkins, trim the edges of two orange jelly candies to create straight sides. Push the two sticky sides together, forming a pumpkin shape.

2. Cut a small piece from the bottom of a small green gumdrop. Press into the top of candy pumpkin.

Pumpkin Cookies

Here's a pumpkin-flavored treat that you can keep in the cookie jar. Have this popular recipe on hand from October through Christmas for all of your holiday well-wishers.

Spiced and Iced Pumpkin Cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup shortening
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 egg
1 cup canned pumpkin
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 recipe Brown Sugar Glaze (see below)

Instructions:

1. In a medium mixing bowl, beat shortening with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds.

2. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and baking soda. Beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl.

3. Beat in the egg and pumpkin. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Stir in remaining flour.

4. Drop dough by a rounded teaspoon 2 inches apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake cookies in a 375 degree F oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until tops seem firm.

5. Transfer cookies to a wire rack; cool.

6. Spread cooled cookies with Brown Sugar Glaze. Makes 42 cookies.

Brown Sugar Glaze:

1. In a small saucepan combine 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 3 tablespoons butter, and 1 tablespoon milk. Heat and stir until butter melts.

2. Remove saucepan from heat. Stir in 1 cup sifted powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla.

Nutrition facts per cookie: 109 calories, 6 g total fat (2 g saturated fat), 7 mg cholesterol, 24 mg sodium, 14 g carbohydrate, 0 g fiber, 1 g protein.

Cauldron Cupcakes

Baked cupcakes

Chocolate frosting

Vanilla pudding or yogurt

Green gel tube frosting

Small candies

String licorice

Directions

1. Remove paper from a purchased or baked cupcake. Turn cupcake upside down; trim bottom, if necessary, to make cupcake stand straight.

2. Using a spoon, scoop out center, leaving 1/2 inch around the edges and about 1 inch on the bottom. Spread chocolate frosting on the sides and top of each cupcake.

3. Spoon the vanilla pudding or yogurt into the center of the cupcake. Decorate it with green gel tube frosting. Sprinkle the small candies onto the fillings. Push the ends of the licorice into opposite sides of the cupcake to make a handle.

Make-Ahead Tip: Store decorated cupcakes in airtight container up to 24 hours.

Chair Covers

2006-06-28T19:39:00.000-07:00

Chair Covers From Better Homes & Gardens

Cocktail

2006-06-28T18:43:00.000-07:00

Vampire Cocktail

Usually, glasses are rimmed with salt to help flavor margaritas, but at Halloween, rims coated with vampire's blood seem much more appropriate. If you experience any difficulty extracting the blood of the undead, you can substitute 1/4 teaspoon corn syrup and 3 tablespoons red food coloring—a mixture that's sure to give your lips a vampirish gleam. Pour the mixture onto a small plate, slowly spin the glass into it to coat the entire rim, and turn the glass upright. Let the blood drip slightly for an eerie effect, then fill the glass with piña ghoulada.

Recipe

Piña Ghoulada
Makes 10 to 12 eight-ounce servings

20 ounces pineapple juice, plus more if needed
1 fifteen-ounce can cream of coconut
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup orange juice
10 ounces good-quality rum (optional)

Scary Airplants

We’ve come up with yet another unique idea for Halloween: Making scary decorations out of air plants. Air plants (genus Tillandsia) derive their nutrients from air and water, and usually grow on other plants or on rocks. They are characterized by long, pointed leaves that grow upward in a dramatic curvy fashion. Today, Martha demonstrates how to make a “shrunken head” and a framed “spider” shadow. To make the creepy “shrunken head,” all you need is a small Tillandsia xerographica and some glow-in-the dark eyeballs. Simply stick the eyeballs into the crevices of the plant.

TECHNIQUE

Making a Framed Spider Shadow
22-gauge cloth-wrapped floral wire
Needle-nose pliers
Tilly Tacker adhesive
Small Tillandsia bulboso
Hand drill
Picture frame without the back
Double-sided tape
Vellum, cut to the same size as frame
1/4-inch-diameter wooden dowel cut into two 2-inch lengths
Votive candle or small utility flashlight

1. Make the spider: Twist together 4 pieces of wire at the center. Fan out the wires for the spider’s legs. Using pliers, twist the end of each leg into a spiral, going about 1/2 way up the length of the wire. Bend the twisted center into a “v” shape. Using your fingers, crimp the legs and feet. Using Tilly Tacker adhesive, glue the air plant to the spider’s “body.”

2. Make the frame: Drill a 1/4-inch hole on the frame back at each of the bottom corners. Apply double-sided tape to the back side of the frame. Lay vellum over tape. Insert a dowel into each holes; these will support the frame so it can stand up. Bend and adjust the legs of your spider to give the plant some height. Set spider behind frame. Place a votive candle or flashlight behind the spider so that the plant is between the frame and the candle. Be very careful with the candlelight; put it in a place where it can be supervised.

More Ideas at the Pierce House

2006-06-28T18:31:00.000-07:00

Halloween Punch

If you're throwing a grown-up Halloween party, consider serving a dark and chilling cocktail. Made with cassis and black currant nectar, this spooky libation is cooled with black ice.

RECIPE

Halloween Punch with Black Ice
Serves 8 to 10

6 cups black currant nectar
8 fresh sage leaves
2 cinnamon sticks
1 cup cassis
2 cups sparkling apple cider
2/3 cup vodka
1 cup club soda

1. To make black ice, pour 2 cups black currant nectar into an ice cube tray. Transfer to freezer; freeze until solid, at least 3 hours. In a medium saucepan, combine black currant nectar, sage leaves, and cinnamon sticks. Bring to a simmer over medium heat; simmer 15 minutes. Remove from heat, and allow to cool. Remove sage leaves and cinnamon sticks.

2. In a large punch bowl, combine nectar, cassis, cider, vodka, and club soda. Serve over black ice.

Black Italian Meringue Buttercream

Makes 3 cups

Use this black icing to make scary Spider Cakes for Halloween.


1 1/4		cups sugar

1/3		cup water

5		large egg whites

Pinch		cream of tartar

1		pound (4 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

1		teaspoon pure vanilla extract

		Black gel food coloring

		1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring sugar and water to boil, and cook until sugar is completely dissolved. Clip a candy thermometer onto the saucepan. Boil the syrup, brushing down the sides of the pan with a pastry brush in water to prevent cystallization, until the syrup registers 240° (soft-ball stage).

		2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat egg whites on low speed until foamy. Add cream of tartar, and beat on medium high until stiff, but not dry, peaks form.

		3. With the mixer running, pour the syrup down the side of the bowl (to prevent splattering) into the egg whites in a steady stream, and beat on high speed until bowl is cool to the touch. Switch to the paddle attachment, and beat in butter, piece by piece. Add vanilla; beat until smooth and spreadable, 3 to 5 minutes. If mixture looks curdled at any point during the beating process, continue beating until smooth; the curdling will disappear.

		4. In the same bowl, add black food coloring, one drop at a time. Beat with the whisk attachment until color is incorporated. Continue adding drops and beating until buttercream reaches a deep black color.

Halloween Crackers/Fortune Walnuts?

2006-06-28T12:32:00.000-07:00

Using the idea of the fortune cookie, with writing inside, perhaps use an acorn or walnut.

Open the edible chocolate walnut to reveal writing about halloween trivia such as

In the British Isles, jack o'lanterns are carved from large turnips (pumpkins are unique to the New World); the turnips are usually not carved all the way through, but rather sections of the rind are carved away, to provide a glowing appearance.

Or Misfortune Cookies...

You have turned into your mother.
They're not laughing with you.
The voices are real.
Your neighbors did notice that ring around the bathtub.
Perhaps you should consider a lawn service.
Maybe that haircut wasn't such a good idea.
Next time get a second opinion before you accessorize.
On the road of life, you are but a dip.
That's not a good color for you.
Your number will soon come up at the IRS.
Wrinkles and incontinence are just around the corner!
You will meet a short, stinky, unattractive stranger.
Everyone saw you double-dip.
You've got something in your teeth.

I don't like, but wonder in a fix

2006-06-28T12:06:00.000-07:00

http://www.neibert.com/FloralDesign.html

Okay and not okay

2006-06-28T11:52:00.000-07:00

Okay, and I'm not into kids at the Pierce House.

Dreaded Costume party... no life I think... I'm all for a masquerade party, but this,
bless this couple and their wedding, more power to them... but this doesn't do it for me.

Lighting

2006-06-28T11:45:00.000-07:00

Ignore the subjects of this photo and look at the lighting... the lighting is important...

Need to think about the lighting inside and out of The Pierce House... Play up the color as well.

Inside the Pierce House

2006-06-28T11:21:00.000-07:00

LInks to Remember

2006-06-28T11:16:00.001-07:00

http://www.marthastewart.com/page.jhtml?type=content&id=channel1060074&contentGroup=KIDS&site=kids

http://www.marthastewart.com/page.jhtml?type=content&id=channel191144&contentGroup=MSL&site=living

http://www.marzipanworld.com/acatalog/Marzipan_World_Fall__Autumn__Wedding_Favors__311.html

Pumpkins galor

2006-06-28T11:16:00.000-07:00

cookies, but not these

2006-06-28T11:15:00.000-07:00

Bewitching Stairs

2006-06-28T11:14:00.000-07:00

Stair Idea

Collection of Masks for Guests

2006-06-28T11:13:00.000-07:00

Guest Masks

HalloweenatthePierceHouse

Tabletop

Pumpkin Tiramisu

Formal Place setting

How do I properly set a formal dinner setting?

Not like these invitations

Another what not to do

Fund raiser

On-line Auctions Raise Funds for Charity

Pumpkins

Massachusetts

Pick-Your-Own Pumpkins

The BIG BIG Halloween Library Collection

Electronic Luminaries

Outdoor Luminaries by Carol Duvall

Drawstring Bags and Purses

Stamped Velvet

Stamped Candles

Curtains and Ichabod Crane

Sleepy Hollow and Icabod Crane

Which is Front?

Ben and Jerry's Skeleton and Witch

Haunted House Template from Ben and Jerrys

Gauzy Ghost

Yet More Recipes & Fun Facts

More Recipes for Halloween

Snack Attack

Bat Pinata

Candy Dispenser

Jack o' Lanterns to make

Treat Balls

Paper Caper

Paper Mache Basics

Peekaboo

Morbid Multiples

Dead Head Pumpkins

Welcoming Committee

Birdbath Family

About Face Pumpkin

About Face Pumpkin

Swamp Cider Idea

Small Paper Pumpkin Lanterns

Noisemakers and Place Cards

Spirited Paper Candy Dishes

Trick or Eat!

Choir Boy Squashes

Sparkling Cider

Details

More Information

Why Spend a Lot When You Can Do-it-Yourself?

Decorating Tricks Turn Your Home Into a Halloween Treat

Things You Can Do

Things You Can Serve

Things You Can Buy

Candle Light Ideas

Remember These Little Ideas

Centerpieces I can do

Yet another craft project

Invitation and Sorted Paper Details

Recipe Ideas

Chair Covers

Cocktail

More Ideas at the Pierce House

Halloween Crackers/Fortune Walnuts?

I don't like, but wonder in a fix

Okay and not okay

Lighting

Inside the Pierce House

LInks to Remember

Pumpkins galor

cookies, but not these

Bewitching Stairs

Collection of Masks for Guests